Does Scratching Always Mean Ick?

S

SumpDiver

Is it not normal for fish to scratch themselves on the rocks from time to time. Does this behavior always mean there is a problem?

Thanks
SD
 
I would say that it is a sign that the fish is ill. Suspect ick or internal parsites perhaps toxins in the water as well. I would not say that a healthy fish would itch to the point where an aquarist would notice. If you noticed it theres probably something wrong IMO.
 
Sublime:

I've noticed two of my fish doing it on two separate occasions today. My Midas Blenny took a couple dives at the MagFloat, and this morning I saw my Coral Beauty take a couple of dives at a piece of LR. Both of these instances were several hours apart, and both fish only scratched twice. But I'm sure you are right, it is probably something. Water Parameters are perfect: Zero Ammonia, Zero Nitrites and trates are barely detectably, according to the test strips (I know they suck) less than 20 ppm. Zero phosphates PH about 8.4 Temp 79. What would you suggest I check first?

Thanks
SD
 
I would also agree that almost any amount of rock 'flashing' would be a sign that something is wrong (and it's commonly the early stages of ich unfortunately). I'm not sure if the tank is new or not, but I know I'd start planning/thinking about a Quarantine tank set up in case you have to resort to treatments. It's *much* easier to have a QT tank that you don't need and can take down and store than it is to *need* one and have to start from scratch buying it/equipment. I for sure would go and get one of the air bubblers/sponges (Dirt Magnet brand i think) and put it in your tank now to allow it to start collecting some bacteria growth in case you later do need to set one up. While it sure won't 'fix' the need for bacterial filtration in a QT, it can go a long way towards helping with it. One of the noted marine authors (can't remember who at the moment) actually keeps a sponge in his sump on a regular basis just to aid in the bio-bed transfer to the QT tank when he needs it set up. It's an easy cost effective way to help and if you keep it cleaned regularly, it shouldn't add to the nitrate buildup either. JMO
Doug
 
Okay so nitrates have a little bit, thats fine. as long is your nitrates aren't very high it should not effect your fish. ammonia and nitrites are very toxic to fish.

I would recommend getting a better quality test kit at some point. Sooner the better. IMO those strips aren't reliable.

Observe your fish for white spots or open wounds, then treat as necessary. If the scratching becomes more frequent (more then 3-4 goes in a 15 min period), treat for internal parasites in seperate QT tank (seed your qt tank with water from your main or sponge places in your main for a week)
 
Some of my fish scratch from time to time but these are fish I have had for years so I know how much is normal for them.

I have also noticed my regal tang scratch its gills when the ph is too low.
 
Thanks, guys (and Nicki) for the quick responses. When you say check fish first thing in the morning, would that be actual morning or their morning. I work unusual hours so I have my light cycle timed to correspond to the hours I'm up and the house is lit. The fish look good when the lights first come on, very hungry and out looking for a feeding. All fish are eating very well now, even the picky Anthias is eating frozen Mysis, and so far none of them show any signs of sickness whatsoever other than thye isolated scratching incident. I haven't seen anymore scratching buy will watch them closely. I know the strips aren't very accurate, will buy a good kit soon at least for nitrates, meanwhile I'll take a sample into my LFS.

I plan to set up a QT tank soon. My tank IS new, about two months, but I cycled it with some very good LS and LR from a three-year-old well-established tank.

I recently added a very large piece of cured live rock. It came from Dallas North Aquarium's big display tank. I bought it from the fire sale. It is very well covered with coralline and even some purple shrooms. I can't imagine that piece of rock contaminating my system, but maybe it did.

Thanks again for the responses.
 
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