I just did another test. Same results. I'm using the API Master kit, and I just got it about a month ago. I have stopped petting him because it could remove slime coat I guess. I thought it was just odd behavior too but he's been doing it for months and sometimes as I said my clown knife does it as well. Could it possibly be an external/internal parasite thats only on the bottom of the tank? I only think this because the fish that hang out in the middle to top water column never do anything like they do.
Questions about my RTC's behavior.
- Thread starter arowanaryan
- Start date
Yeah I do water changes usually 3-4 times a week of about 30 percent. I thought he might've eaten something that was stuck as well..... but its been months you know? I don't know to much about parasites but wouldn't the other fish get them too? Any thoughts on the mid-top fish not rubbing v.s. bottom dwellers rubbing? What would be an indicator of parasites... like a visual indicator.
[SUB]I have had my rtc for a lil over ten years now and I have never noticed him shedding skin but mine itches himself as well. I always had a feeling it was more of a behavior or territory thing more then an itch to be honest. Usually he turns into a beast after his "itch" and bullies the other catfish for a few min then goes back to normal.
Do you have a lot of water movement ? Power heads? That might help with the skin shedding? My rtc loves swimming against the current of a power head.
I am a fan of water changes but 3-4 a week sounds to often even if it's only 30% to me. Maybe it's time to upgrade ur filter to handle the bio load in you tank in order to cut back to a once a week wc routine.
Good luck[/SUB]
Do you have a lot of water movement ? Power heads? That might help with the skin shedding? My rtc loves swimming against the current of a power head.
I am a fan of water changes but 3-4 a week sounds to often even if it's only 30% to me. Maybe it's time to upgrade ur filter to handle the bio load in you tank in order to cut back to a once a week wc routine.
Good luck[/SUB]
Sounds dumb but when you do your test. Do you shake the nitrate bottles before you use it? some people don't shake them and they get a low reading that's inaccurate. Then when they shake it and do it correctly they get the true and it's usually shocking. Not saying you are doing this but just checking.
Hey - what's the water temp? Sounds like they may be a little chilly - could be a slight case of ICH (which would be why they're scratching on the rocks) No idea on the shedding - do you use water conditioner?
