Does anything else cause scratching?

avanc

avanc

Aialik..cutest otter in Oregon!!
Nov 7, 2008
108
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gettin' hot
So a little over a week ago I noticed two corries in one of my freshwater tanks scratching themselves a little on the rocks...o.k I figured it must be ich (delt with everything but ich so I'm new at this one) so I upped the heat added salt and started doing daily water changes. A week later everybody is looking happy and healthy and I hadn't seen anyone scratch till last night one of the corries scratched once then went back to normal.:duh: So should I expect them to break out in the white spots befor I beat this or do you think I may be dealing with something else? I have not seen any physical signs or anything else odd, so all I really know to do is keep up the water changes salt and heat, I figure for atleast a couple more weeks to cover the cycle. Anyone have any other sugestions? Advise is always welcome!
 
they could also be reacting to chemicals in your tank. What kind of water conditioner do you use? Do you add any other chemicals to the tank?
 
Hmm I use API stress coat when I do water changes and leaf zone fert for the plants, other than the carbon in the filter I try to keep this one as natural as possible....so should I not assume they have ich till I see white spots?
 
Did you ever see any white spots on any fish? It is possible for ich to hide in fish's gills and nostrils, but I'd hesitate to treat for it unless I were seeing spots. At least you used something natural like salt, and not a harsher chemical.
My fish flash occasionally--sometimes fish just itch :) If the flashing is not persistent, I wouldn't worry. Are they still doing it?
 
Yes, I would wait until you see white spots before you treat for ich.

Ammonia will also make them flash. Have you tested the tap water recently? If you've had any big storms in your area the water department sometimes adds extra chemicals to combat any extra microbes.
 
nope never saw any white spots on any fish I just wanted to nip it in the bud if it was ich. no they are not sratching now only the first day really.
 
avanc said:
Hmm I use API stress coat when I do water changes and leaf zone fert for the plants, other than the carbon in the filter I try to keep this one as natural as possible....so should I not assume they have ich till I see white spots?
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I've seen fish flash just after adding leaf zone or other ferts. It's not hurting them, but they do seem to react to its presence when it's added.
My fish also flash sometimes after a large water change. Again, I think they're reacting to the new water.
 
avanc said:
nope never saw any white spots on any fish I just wanted to nip it in the bud if it was ich. no they are not sratching now only the first day really.
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If it were me, then, I'd probably stop the salt treatment. I'd hate to say that, and then some underlying problem turn up down the road, but my guess is that this was a false alarm.
But, still, good for you for being observant and taking care of your fish! :)
 
Ok I feel a lot better now, yeah I live in Arizona right now and it's monsoon season (Lot's of lightning storms yay!) I've been testing the tap water and tank water daily and nothings changed so we should be good there. maybe they were just reacting to a water change or the ferts, maybe I'm just a paranoid nervous wreck lol:22_yikes: I guess I'll set the temperature back and just keep an eye on them....I've never been out of work before I think I have to much time on my hands.....
 
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