New fish=New trouble in the 240. Some help please.

[twhittle]

Hey guys. I recently added a couple of fish to my 240 sa/ca tank. I noticed tonight that my fish fins appeared somewhat clamped and they were "shivering" and "scratching" against the driftwood. I tested my water parameters and they are great. A couple of my fish are lethargic with clamped fins and "scratching". I am not seeing white specks or anything. Any ideas on this one, and how to treat it? Thanks everyone.

 

[Scttysnyder]

I beleive that is Ick even though you do not see the white spots. They are trying to scratch because of the ick on their bodies.

 

[armac]

you said yourself you "could not stop buying" you must quarentine new fish, hope you do not lose them.


slow down

 

[Lupin]

I beleive that is Ick even though you do not see the white spots. They are trying to scratch because of the ick on their bodies.

Ich is not the only thing that would cause scratching. A few things to consider:
1. Silt
2. Fiber glass
3. Flukes
4. External parasites

Twhittle, what exactly are the water parameters? What test kit did you use? Did you quarantine your fish? If so, how long?

 

[twhittle]

Ich is not the only thing that would cause scratching. A few things to consider:
1. Silt
2. Fiber glass
3. Flukes
4. External parasites

Twhittle, what exactly are the water parameters? What test kit did you use? Did you quarantine your fish? If so, how long?

Parameters are PH of 7.6-7.8, 0 ammonia or nitrite, between 5-10 ppm nitrate, temp is 78 degrees. I use API freshwater liquid test kits and I follow the directions to the letter. Unfortunately I did not quarantine one of the fish before I put it in.

 

[twhittle]

bump

 

[Lupin]

Parameters are PH of 7.6-7.8, 0 ammonia or nitrite, between 5-10 ppm nitrate, temp is 78 degrees. I use API freshwater liquid test kits and I follow the directions to the letter. Unfortunately I did not quarantine one of the fish before I put it in.

Get a quarantine tank. A 10g will do it. Operate it barebottom with a sponge filter, PVC pipes/plastic plants for refuge and a small heater. Quarantine every new fish for at least four weeks. Better safe than never.

Have you added any plants? If so, did these plants have fiber glass or any medium attached to their roots?

It's hard to point out the actual cause of this problem. I wouldn't rule out flukes and ich though. Treat with flubendazole or praziquantel for possible flukes. Prazipro shouldn't hurt. If the fish loses appetite, add garlic drops on the food.

 

[twhittle]

Thank you