Electric blue hap

Question
QUESTION: Hi I have a new tank and it is about 2 weeks old and I have a electric blue hap that is scratching and shaking.  I'm not sure what is the matter with him. He did it one day and stop after a while and now hes doing it again.  I have done 2 20% water changes.  just did one today and he started any help please

ANSWER: Hi Steven,
 Scratching on the substrate can often be a first sign of the disease called ick.  The next sign is the presence of little tiny white dots on the body and fins.  You usually see them on the fins first.  It is a good idea to get some ick medicine (I use Rid-Ich or Quik-Cure) and to have it on hand.  Only treat the tank if you actually see the little white dots. I am not an advocate of treating "just in case".  

By the way, you should be changing 25% of the water once a week, every week to keep your fish happy and healthy.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi and thank you but yesterday i did treat my tank for ick and this morning I still see him scratching on the gravel.  I have not noticed any spots on him yet.  He has done this before and stopped for about 4 days and started again.  I just fed him so i know hes still eating. please help

ANSWER: Hi Steven,
 When you treat for ick that doesn't mean that the ick goes away instantly.  In fact, it actually takes about 7 days for it all to go away.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Say it is ick how much should i treat him to cure it.  Is it one dose or should I do it again in 24 hours.  What if he don't have ick does it hurt that I am treating him for something he don't have

Answer
Hi Steven,
  With most ick medicines you need to treat for several days (I typically treat for 7 days).  Yes it does hurt to treat him if he doesn't have ick.  Ick medicines contain copper (and sometimes formalin) which is very hard on the fish (but harder on the parasite).

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>