Weird Behaviour

[Space_cadet001]

Hi, I have only just managed to set my tank up last week (the delivery guy dropped the first one on me). And i have a Eel Tail Catfish first that started wacking its side against the bottom on the gravel quite regularly, and now one of the Cichlids has also started wacking its side on the bottom but only on sea shells that are in the bottom of the tank. Does anyone know what is causing this behaviour? Should i Be worried?? Seperate them from the others??? Anyone with knowledge about this please respond.

 

[guppy]

This sounds like the start of "flashing" behaviour, usually the sign of a parasite, most commonly ich. Several other parasites also cause this such as fish lice (argulus), costia, and velvet. Spend some time closely observing the effected fish for symptoms such as small white salt grain-like spots (ich), Larger semitransparent, horseshoe shaped critters (fish lice), small, glistening spots (costia), or very small reddish or brownish spots that look a bit like cinnamon (velvet). If you see any of these treat for the appropriate cause.

P.S. What species of cat?

 

[navygirl76]

so this tank was set up last week? could be new tank syndrome--what are the water parameters? could be the fact that its a newly set up tank, they feel irritated (my malawi cichlids will "flash" against rocks or anything in the tank when the water parameters are a little off or if its a new tank) id check the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels and see if everything is ok there...

 

[Space_cadet001]

Well i know that Ph is sitting on 7.0 water temp is 27.6 as i just introduced two young discus' last night. However there are several more fish that are taking on this behaviour. I have had a decent look at the original eel tail catfish (golden fin on tail) and can't really notice any spots or anything on him. Sorry guy's but fairly new to this only had a 2'x1'x1' tank prior to this so not good with scientific names etc. However the flashing behaviour never happened in the old tank, but i know i probably should quarantine all new fish first (need some self discipline). This behaviour was also not immediate when they were put in the new tank probably started 2 days after they had been introduced. Thanks for the replies guys i am worrying about my fish

 

[Space_cadet001]

I have 2 Aqua one "Aquis 2200" canister filters running on the tank they cycle at 2200ltr/h and have a UV sterilisation in them. I heard that this tends to eliminate all parasites. Just incase this helps to diagnose my problem.

 

[Space_cadet001]

I've also noticed it's only really the fish who tend to eat off the bottom of the tank. Yet to see any of the fish who hang out up the top doing this behaviour.

 

[Nick660]

so this tank was set up last week? could be new tank syndrome--what are the water parameters? could be the fact that its a newly set up tank, they feel irritated (my malawi cichlids will "flash" against rocks or anything in the tank when the water parameters are a little off or if its a new tank) id check the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels and see if everything is ok there...

Agreed.

Well i know that Ph is sitting on 7.0 water temp is 27.6 as i just introduced two young discus' last night.

In a newly set-up tank you really need to be testing for ammonia and nitrIte aswell.

 

[guppy]

UV set ups will slow the spread of many parasites such as ich as they kill free swimming stage, if the free swimming stage has survivors, ones that were not passed through the UV they would most likely be found in the interstices of the substrate where the filter current would least effect them. This would lead to bottom feeders being more likely to be effected than the top water fish.

 

[Space_cadet001]

O.k the winner is "ich" woke up today to find two of my green tiger barbs covered in small white spots! Going to get some aquarium salt at lunch. Also one of the eel tail cat fish ( http://www.ausyfish.com/Yellow_eeltail_catfish1.jpg ) i have two that look like the one in the link and another 2 without the yellow fins. One of the ones without yellow fins was sitting in the plant and is covered with what you had described as velvet. I have read up on the treatment for ich but was curious as to what to do with the velvet?

Thanks heaps guys Keegan

 

[Nick660]

Here's one of many articles you'll find about velvet and its treatment on the interweb - http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/disease/p/velvet.htm
If you choose a copper based med as suggested here make sure your tank inhabitants are not sensitive to it. Of course this is true for any substances you put into your tank.

Most medications you can get for ich are also effective against velvet. High temp and salt would also be useful. Don't forget to check your water quality and do frequent water changes.

Good luck.