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I have had my kubotai loaches for a little over a month now. Ever since I got them, they started flashing over everything. I at first thought it was the beginnings of ich because I knew that loaches could get it really easily. I treated with copper safe, but no luck. All of the fish in my tank now flash occasionally, but there have never been any physical signs of problems. Does anyone else have this problem or does anyone know how to stop it. It doesn't seem to hurt them, just annoy, but I can't imagine always being itchy.
Thanks in advance!

Jen

Fish will flash/scratch when they have Flukes or some other type of parasite. One problem though is that it damages the skin and makes your fishies more likely to be e to infection. This can also cause the poor fishy to hurt themselves also when they are scratching up against the substrate and/or ornaments in your tank.

Changes in water quality can cause this as well. A large water change can cause flashing as the fishes skin adapts to a change in pH, my fishies did this when I moved to a new area which the tap water had a higher pH when I did water changes. Now that they are more acclimated to the new water they don't do it anymore.

Chlorine or other metals in 'new' water can cause flashing/itching. Using a dechlorinator or even some stress coat that has aloe in it may help although you have to keep in mind that a parasite could potentially be causing the this behavior and precautionary measures may be a good idea. Try looking into some Maracyn or Fluke tabs and some Melafix if they have any skin damage. Good luck with your tank!

I have a Polka Dot Loach that I have had for about 6 months now. He has always been "itchy". Nothing I have done has changed that, until recently. I just added a big Eheim 2217 Filter to my 90g tank. Now I am running a Fluval 204 and a Eheim 2217. Since I added the new filter, the polka dot hasnt itched once. I dont know if this will last or not, but I think that some loaches seem to be very very picky on water conditions.
Also, I dont think Copper Safe is a safe medicine to use with scaleless fish. I have heard that Copper Salts (the only ingredient in Copper Safe medicine) Can kill various loach species, as well as invertebrates like Snails and Shrimp.
A Better treatment for ich is Kent Marine RX-P, it is harmless to most fish, but not invertebrates of any kind will kill them. It is safe for scaleless fish and contains no harsh medicines or compounds such as copper or lead.
Also, Ich is cause by stress. Poor water quality, changes in habit, even like something simple like how often you leave the light on or Not, can cause stress. When the fish get stressed out they become susceptible to ich. Adding a new fish often results in ich. Try to keep the fish in cleanest water possible, with as little stress as possible. Keep the tank warm if possible, (78-80) and add a LITTLE salt to the water (Say 1 teaspoon per 10-20g). Add melafix for the stress of the fish and to repair any wounds caused buy the Ich Parasite vacating the skin of the fish.
Also, if your Nitrates are really high, this can also make fish itchy. Best solution is live plants.

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Last edited by Lindy at 03-Oct-2004 08:23

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Jenbabe...did you say your fish has white spots?

No, she didn't mention anything about white spots. I think you should try some Melafix, and see what happens.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."