Fish bumping against objects in the aquarium.

[wannabeeareefkeeper]

Is it normal or abnormal for a fish to bump against the intake supply line of a hang on back (HOB) filter? Is this a sign of - lack of a specific nutrient in the diet of a fish?


Wannabee

 

[heathlindner25]

is he blind? sometimes it happens..

 

[wannabeeareefkeeper]

I hope not. I thought that maybe a normal reaction. His backside has an occasional itch, some he bumps up against the intake of the HOB filter.

Wannabee

 

[jennm]

Scratching like that can be a sign of parasites. Keep an eye on it.

 

[wannabeeareefkeeper]

JennM;855778 wrote: Scratching like that can be a sign of parasites. Keep an eye on it.

Thanks Jenn. That possibility was in the back of my mind; hope to keep it there. I am currently battling the dreadful aptasia in the 20 gallon. Could it be related to the multiplier affect of the aiptasia releasing its "babies" into the tank?

The fish have been eating flake and small floating pellets with garlic since I've had the fish. I've had the fish for a year now. I don't recalll one of them bumping against the inlet water piece of my HOB filter until recently.

I have been adding different reef additives recently. Is it possible that I have "wacked" one of the chemicals too high to cause the scratching/bumping?


Wannabee

 

[jennm]

If you really have a lot of aiptasia it's possible the fish got a little sting, I suppose.

I'd check parameters too - that's always the place to start, no matter what the issue - rule it in/rule it out.

I doubt that wacky dosing could be the cause of the problem... but since we're on the subject, if you're fighting to chase numbers, sometimes laying off all that stuff for a few weeks, thus letting the tank find its equilibrium, can help it to reset itself.

Jenn