Red patches appeared on Electric yellow Cichlid

Question
Hello Lynda,
I have just one Electric Yellow Cichlid in my tank which i think is about 50-60 litres. He eats cichlid flakes 2 or 3 times a day and i treat his water with water ager every time i change it, and change about 20% of the water weekly. The tank is generally pretty clean and there are no live plants in the water. Within the last week i noticed that the base of one of his pectoral fins is looking rather red (like blood), the fin looks fine but there is a clear red patch at the base, on his body. Today i noticed that the base of his other pectoral fin is also starting to show some red blotchy patches and on the side of his head there looks like a faint red patch is beginning to form close to his mouth.
About three weeks ago i moved from one city to another about 4 hours drive away, i transported him up with me so maybe it could be due to change in the water from city to city? the symptoms didn't occur till about 2 and a half weeks after this move though.
His behaviour is still completely normal, but I'm worried this could turn bad. Your advice would be much appreciated,
Thank you  

Answer
Hi Alana,
First check your water for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.  Your ammonia level should be zero, your nitrites must be zero, and nitrates should be low.  Did you cycle your tank before putting your fish in it, after you moved.  A tank must be cycled.  The best way to cycle a tank is to buy a used sponge to fit your filter.  A used sponge is full of good bacteria that fish need to survive.  You buy the sponge, and squeeze out the access water.  Never rinse it under the tap, and let your tank water filter through it.  When cleaning your filter, you should always rinse your sponge in water that you have removed from the tank to keep the good bacteria in your sponge.  Your sponge is good for a very long time, until it is old, ragged, and falling apart.  Adding one handful of gravel from an established tank would also help.  Most pet stores will gladly give you some, but a used sponge is better.  If you can get both, then do so.  When doing water changes you must always use a good water conditioner such as "Stress Coat" or AquaPlus.  
If you didn't cycle your tank, then this could be the cause to why your fish is sick.  Have your water checked at the pet store, and it is always a good idea to buy an ammonia, nitrite, and PH test kit.  They are always handy to have.
The Electric Yellow should be in alkaline water.  This means between 7.5-8.0.  If he is under this, you will have to bring it up.  To do this, buy crushed coral.  Buy a pair of white nylon stockings, cut it to size, and make a little bag.  Put one handful of coral in it.  24 hours later check your PH, and if it is not alkaline, add more coral.  Wash the coral first, and bring your PH up very slowly.  Do not do this quickly, or your fish will go into shock.
For now, check your ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and PH.  I am quite sure this is the reason why your little pal is sick.  Write back to me once you have the results.  If the water is not the problem, then I will tell you what to do, but I do not want to give you treatment, or antibiotics for a fish, if the water is the problem.  It would only make matters worse.
Lynda