FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Hi, i have been watching all my fish quite closely and something just doesn't seem right. None of my fish have any bodily signs of infection/parasites but they are behaving strangely. I have 2 bolivian rams and the less mature one is occasionally rubbing himself on things, my rosy tetras are fine exept for one that swims erratically. All the other tankmates are behaving as usual?. My ammonia and nitrites are both 0 and my nitrates are between 10-20 ppm. I use a potassium and iron based fertiliser for my plants when needed but i know my tap water is contaminated with phosphates (maybe something?) i have also looked through various disease finders and i cannot define what the problem is? if anoyone could shed light on this i would be eternally grateful!

SW Pics: http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/dave_slade@btinternet.com/
Saltwater tank 125G-30G sump with caulerpa refugium.
yellow tang, atlantic anemone, 11 turbo snails, 4 nassarius snails, 12 various hermits, 3 cleaner shrimp, 2 occelaris clown, yellow

quit using the fertilizer for awhile, and see about getting some water that has been filtered like R/O water is...usually a lfs will sell, all you have to do is ask...

do a water change with the new water, and then we'll see, if either thing helps, heidi

"I've got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom." Thomas Carlyle

Thanks heidi, I bought some RO water about a 2 weeks ago because of the phosphates in the tap supply. I have only used a little of this but i'm hoping this will help . i was reading about osmotic shock do you think it could be something to do with that? The problems only seem to show up after a partial 15% water change.

SW Pics: http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/dave_slade@btinternet.com/
Saltwater tank 125G-30G sump with caulerpa refugium.
yellow tang, atlantic anemone, 11 turbo snails, 4 nassarius snails, 12 various hermits, 3 cleaner shrimp, 2 occelaris clown, yellow

Several things can cause such an itch.

Nitrites

pH fluctuations (which can occur easily if your kH is really low due to the RO water).

AND, definitely ferts. Mine itch when I add Flourish excel or Potassium. Its never the same fish that does it, but someone always gets itchy when I use it.

As Heidi suggests, eliminate it and do some partial water changes to dilute what is there. After a few more water changes, add your fert, then watch the tank closely for the next hour (on and off of course, for at least 5 minute intervals). If your fish weren't itching before and then someone is after the ferts, you'll know your culprit.

You raise a concern with osmotic shock. Have the fish been put into a situation where salinity was either abruptly raised or lowered? Or, was salt added as part of evaporated water replacement (salt doesn't evaporate)?

Last edited by Cory_Di at 03-Apr-2005 12:38

A month ago i added some tonic salts to the tank but only the recommended dosage, and i haven't been dosing the water changes so i assume the salinity has fallen slightly. thanks for the advice cory_di, i like to look at all the angles there are so many parameters to keep an eye on :%)

SW Pics: http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/dave_slade@btinternet.com/
Saltwater tank 125G-30G sump with caulerpa refugium.
yellow tang, atlantic anemone, 11 turbo snails, 4 nassarius snails, 12 various hermits, 3 cleaner shrimp, 2 occelaris clown, yellow