Fish flashing

Schneider

Schneider

AC Members
Jul 26, 2009
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I just wanted to inform everyone that if your cichlids violently rub against decor in your tank(flashing) it may be caused by your brand of dechlorinator. I had this problem with my fish. The dechlorinator claimed to add slime coat to the fish. I did what I was supposed to and performed frequent water changes and my fish were rubbing their own scales off shortly after each one. I changed my dechlorinator brand and the problem has been gone for three weeks.
:rant2:
 
How long has your tank been set up ?

What brand dechlorinator were you using ?

What are your readings for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate tested with a liquid drop test kit ?

Basically fish flashing can be caused be a few different things - disease/parasites/poor water parameters. Its unlikely to be caused by any of the commercially available dechlorinators when used in the proper doses, cichlids or otherwise.
 
My ammonia and nitrite are always at zero. I keep my nitrate below between 8 and 20. I was using Prime from Seachem. I have read articles which warn that some products that claim to promote slime coat do so by irritating the fishes skin, stimulating them to produce more slime. I didn't know for sure if this was the case. that is why I didn't list the brand name. Doing so wouldn't be fair without absolute proof. Like I stated earlier, my fish would only exhibit this behavior after a water change. That is what convinced me that I was onto something. I am sorry if you disagree but not all commercially produced products fit every application. I was just sharing my thoughts because I thought it may aid someone. I have a 180 gal tank and dosed it properly. My tank has been set up for two years. Its PH is 8.2.
 
No need to be sorry - this is all about the exchange of information.

I've never heard of or seen this problem with Prime used in correct doses, which is why I would be curious as to whether something else is at play - perhaps checking your water supply with your test kit would be worthwhile.

Prime is pretty much the best water conditioner I'm aware of - again, never heard of or seen this problem at correct doses with this product.
 
Do you pre-mix the water and let it sit? Dose and dump? Dose the tank and fill? I see this from my fish on the rare occasion I don't let the new water sit, or add water that isn't temp matched.
 
I dose and dump. I have no room to pretreat 110 gallons of water with each water change-which is what I need to change two to three times per week to keep my metabolites low.
 
are you sure something hasnt been changed in the water of at the water company lately?
 
Its either a bad batch of Dechlor (prime) or the local water company is adding stronger amounts of chemicals safe for us but not safe for fish when late summer due to low water values and or high flood values this is more common with water companies this time a year..

Also i do this every time check the date on the bottle of whatever you buy if its more than 3 yrs old i wouldn't use it and some don't even use it 2 years past..

Like the liquid test kits as well right now there is a whole bunch of tests that date back to 2003 don't buy it.. right now i believe the current is 2006 batches and if your lucky you might find a 2008 batch..

Pay attention to dates on these chemicals they all have a different shelf life..
 
HEY! theres my bro. been waitin for someone to get on
 
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