algae eater acting weird

Question
my son has a 20 gallon aquarium his algae eater swims fast to top of water bangs it's head on light then goes back to bottom of tank waits a minute or so and does it again has this fish lost it's mind! I am concerned it is going to knock itself out it hits the light hard enough you can hear it thump

Answer
Hi Sandi;

I would check the water chemistry. Sometimes fish try to escape a tank when something isn't right with the water. Do a 25% water change to help him feeel better in case there is something wrong. Then take a sample of water to your local fish store and have it tested. Ask them to check the pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Get the actual readings of each one from them. Don't let the fish store tell you "it's okay" or "a little off", etc. You need actual nubers so we can monitor the progress of it in case there are problems.

Another possibility is a parasite. The fish gets irritated and acts nervous and feels itchy. The most common one is called "ick" or "ich". It is very common in algae eaters, especially when the weather gets cooler. If you are in an area that is now experiencing winter weather, watch for it. Look at the fish to see if there are any tiny white specks that look like salt. If so, it is ick. Turn your aquarium heater up so the water slowly reaches 82f. Also go to the fish store and get two things; Ick medicine and salt. Ich hates heat and hates salt. Use the medicine with it so you get a faster cure. The salt, heat and medicine will work together to really nail those nasties.

Let me know how it's going and also the test results if you aren't sure what to do with them. I hope he feels better soon....

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins