Fish Scratching, No Spots

[fishyfreak]

I've noticed some of my Cichlids are scratching quite a bit against the rocks and gravel, otherwise they're quite active and eating fine. The only thing I can think of is the Nitrates are high. Other than that everything else reads normal. The only thing I haven't tested for yet is the Ammonia levels, I'll pick up a test kit tonight. I'm planning on doing a water change tonight. Any suggestions?

 

[WILDER]

You need to rule out water quality first as they can make them flick and rub if is bad.
How high is the nitrate reading.

 

[fishyfreak]

Nitrates are 160.

Story is, I bought a 180g tank complete with fish. Brought the gravel, filter and rocks over and put them in the tank with almost half old the water, topped if off with fresh water, (Ph 8, Nitrates/Nitrite 0) then added the fish. The old water was disgusting, all readings were through the roof, I managed to get everything down but the Nitrates are being stubborn. I put some conditioner in that was supposed to help but did nothing. It was quite a ride for the poor fish I did the best I could. I'm sure stress is playing a big role as well.

 

[WILDER]

Wow thats high nitrate reading, discus need excellent water quality.
Just squeeze one of the filter sponges in old tank water if they look really mucky with waste.

When a fish comes from a bad kept tank you are meant to gradually alter the stats slowly, not to fast to stress the fish.