Cichlids scratching

[isles]

My juvenile Malawi cichlids are rubbing themselves against the sand. Is this flukes etc will water change and salt help?

 

[SherLar]

I'm not as big of a fan of salt as some people, but it does have the potential to help in some situations. I would try a 50% water change to begin with, followed by another a few days later. If that doesn't help, then maybe think about adding salt.

 

[isles]

Thanks I did a water change last night even though parameters were fine plus did add salt and today so far no flashing activity

 

[ghandi555]

I had this problem bit never used salt. I took carbon out of my filter and used a treatment for ich... it's worked and all my fish are happy again

 

[isles]

I will keep eye out if happens again will treat

 

[SherLar]

Carbon is something I rarely use, except when removing chemicals or meds from my tanks; then it's used only a few days. Most water tests won't show a parasite, fungus, or bacteria unfortunately. Your first "go-to" in any adverse situation should always be a large water change; if that doesn't resolve the problem, then you can start looking at other solutions. Sounds like you got it taken care of though.

 

[isles]

Saw flashing activity again so started General Cure treatment

 

[TMRC Exotics]

Flashing is a typical Malawi cichlid behavior, it means many things in different ways. I haven't seen any mention of white spots or red gills? My 3 year old cichlid tank, no diseases, same inhabitants, frequently flash, it's usually in my case a territorial display claiming an area. Most general cure treatments aren't very effective either.

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[TMRC Exotics]

Carbon is something I rarely use, except when removing chemicals or meds from my tanks; then it's used only a few days. Most water tests won't show a parasite, fungus, or bacteria unfortunately. Your first "go-to" in any adverse situation should always be a large water change; if that doesn't resolve the problem, then you can start looking at other solutions. Sounds like you got it taken care of though.

Carbon has its uses, it's a terrific water clarity product, it's also effective for chemical filtration. If not using carbon I would highly recommend a substitute such as Seachem purigen which is a very nice upgrade on carbon for chemical filtration.

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[isles]

Flashing is a typical Malawi cichlid behavior, it means many things in different ways. I haven't seen any mention of white spots or red gills? My 3 year old cichlid tank, no diseases, same inhabitants, frequently flash, it's usually in my case a territorial display claiming an area. Most general cure treatments aren't very effective either.

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Ty for reply

 

[isles]

Ty for reply

Even though juveniles ?and various fish do it some run against rocks but mostly sand

 

[TMRC Exotics]

Have you noticed any white spots, red gills, shallow breathing, abnormal lumps or rashes?

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[isles]

Have you noticed any white spots, red gills, shallow breathing, abnormal lumps or rashes?

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No fish look healthy a few keep
Dorsal fin clamped in eating well

 

[isles]

If it is just normal behavior will the med so any harm besides my wallet

 

[TMRC Exotics]

Some meds can be detrimental to the beneficial bacteria consuming the ammonia and nitrites, if that happens your ammonia levels will spike in a mini cycle, and that can be very hard on a potentially already sick fish.

Not all meds do this, I'm not sure if the general cure you mentioned harms the bacteria colony or not. Just keep an eye on parameters and behavior.

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[isles]

For what it's worth after first dose of med 2 days flashing gone going with second disease directed