uncertain behavior w/ raphael cat

[calicichlid]

Over x-mas holidays i had to do a major WC was trying to hold out as long as I could but had to do it.My problem is a day or two after my WC my Striped Raphael has been swimming or hovering close to the top of the tank even in the daylight hours.

1. I changed its housing old one was getting too small.
2. All my water paramtr. are ok.
3. My grammodes just started flashing so I added salt increased the heat.
4. Also added Melafix 7 day treatment after WC, because I added few fish and my SD appeared to get a quick case of tail/fin rot (after the WC).

Has the salt or melafix caused a problem or the combo of the two? Should I get a chemical for ick treatment (salt has always worked in the past)? I did a PWC yesterday but Raphael is still out.
Could use help or advise on next action to take.

 

[Anna Robinson]

Melafix is fine to use with catfish, and it is also safe to use with salt. However, I think the salt itself is the problem. I would not class a Raphael as a salt-tolerant fish, and the behaviour you describe is classic of these sort of fish when salt is added to their aquariums. Continue to perform partial water changes until the salt is removed.

I would never add an ich medication unless you are sure you have ich, as the side effects are not worth it.

 

[moonchild1970]

Catfish are sensitive to meds. That could be the reason. You might need to do another water change to thin out the meds in the water.