Scratching or Itching on rocks and on sand

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fishaddict401;3663343; said:
when i put salt in my gt tank, he rubs both sides and than stops. But i do see a small white spot on his pectoral fin, he is still eating and digging holes, as a matter of fact, he just massacred a pellet a second ago.
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In your case your fish probably has ich and I would treat that if I were you or you risk your fish plus the rest of your stock. If you have scaless fish in the tank and can't quarantee fish then be careful of treatment that you choose to use as not all are safe for scaless fish.
 
My fish used to do that all the time. Kinda thought it was normal behaviour. Then I got a bunch (9) of new young fish I added to the tank. They all came down with Ich and I lost 7 of them. It was really obvious on the new fish, white specks like salt crystals all over them, but nothing on the other fish. I raised the temp to 82 and treated the whole tank for 5 days with something from Wal-mart. I dont have any sratching going on now at all. I think they can build up a resistance to it, so that the only symptom is the scratching.
 
Not a lot more to add - just ditto on the water param's. Not sure if you add salt to your tanks, some people do. Salt burns thus stimulating the growth of the slime coat it's a great cure for alot of external parasites but used unnessasrily it can cause an increase in flashing especially after water changes. Flashing is normal behavior for most fish, usually it's bacteria of some sort built up on the scales. I don't think theres any real way to stop irratant micro organisms without destroying the beneficals. Over feeding and poor water conditions allow more of a build up of irratants. Keep an eye on your fish - if you see growths, lumps, spots, lose of appetite, or stringy poop then act on it.
 
fishaddict401;3663343; said:
when i put salt in my gt tank, he rubs both sides and than stops. But i do see a small white spot on his pectoral fin, he is still eating and digging holes, as a matter of fact, he just massacred a pellet a second ago.
Click to expand...

One white spot could be anything from a parasite egg sack to a scab forming around damaged finniage. Nothing really to go nukin' the tank over til' an infection or outbreak has truely been identified. If you use salt at every water change @ the same recommeneded dosage you will loose the benefit of salt to combat free swimming bacteria/parasites when your fish is really infected. Regular doses of salt in the water doesn't guard against anything, it's the fluxuation of salinty in the water that kills. Bacteria/Parasites can adapt to stable salinity just like fish can. Your fish probably flashes after salting cause he's gettin burnt and it's irratating.
 
Ive heard that its called flashing all my fish do it. Its there way to be dominant towards females who ever looks best and flashes better usally gets the female doesnt matter if its an all male tank either. Nothing to worry about unless you see ick spots
 
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