my pleco

Question
My pleco is i think tying to get air dunno goes to the top then back down and goes on with its day but does it again why i have 2 bubbleres and 1 40 -60 gal filter and 20-40 gal filter and a 50 gal blower so i think thee enough air .. also do you know what help piranhas rubbing on plants and rocks thanks Jimmy

Answer
Hello Jimmy,

As far as the Pleco, I think it should be fine. I have never had one my self but have heard of many of them doing that and living just fine. So I wouldnt worry about that unles other symptoms occur. As for the other piranhas, from what you told me it sounds like you fish may be starting to get ich. This is a external and can become internal parasite if not taken care of. I would suggest bring the water temp. up to 75 degrees F. you should do that by raising the temp up by one degree an hour. After you do that, the parasite will finish its cycle on the fish faster and die. The reason you want it to finish its cycle fast is because you cannot kill it when it is attached to the fish, only when it falls off and is on the plants, gravel, and other things in the tank. This needs to happen right away so that the parasite doesnt get to far into the fish and harm them. So you can purchase a external parasite killer that should help solve the problem, however it is smart to add fish salt to the water to keep the slime coat on the fish as good as possible as well as condition the water.

If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me further.

Thanks,
Michael M.