Need Help With Warning Symptoms

[LIVEBait]

Yesterday I did a water check.

Water parameters:
Temp: 77 F
PH 7.9
Amm 0
NitrIte 0
NitrAte 20

All seems to be going well... til yesterday I noticed one of my fish (P. Loisellei) started to convulse violently or shake for a few seconds, then repeatedly scratched the side of its face or gill plate on the heater. It repeated this ritual twice in about a half hour period.

This morning, after I fed my fish, I observed them again. My Texas cichild, which was just added to the tank a few days ago, did the same thing: shake, then rubbed the side of its head/gill plate area on a rock. This episode wasnt as violent as the Loisellei's, but I'm starting to worry that they probably have some type of infection.


What could it be? How to treat with what type of medications?

Your help and speed is greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Jen]

I'm not sure what nitrAtes are suppesed to be at, but maybe a water change/gravel syphon is in order. They could be coming down with skin/gil flukes if they are scratching. I don't know what to say about the shaking though.

 

[sunflower]

Your Nitrates are fine as long as they stay below 40

 

[LIVEBait]

Thanks for your replies. I greatly appreciate it.

Nitrates: I will go ahead and do a water change tomorrow. How much? 25% 50% ?
I will go with a generous one.


The shaking occurs right before the fish starts to flash and scratch...
Skin and kill flukes. Hmmm... what other symptoms should I look for???
How can I be for certain of the diagnosis? Is this disease fatal. What are the chances of survival? What would be a good remedy?


Sorry for so many questions, but I as like many others dont want my fish to die!