Problems with Chiclids

Question
Dear Karen,
    I have been keeping a 55 gallon tank with African mbunas for about a year now.  We first started the tank with 6 fish and one died shortly after that; however the other five were doing just fine.  About 3 months ago we changed the tank around, we added real rocks and got five new fish.  All of the fish have done very well, we have been keeping the water temperature around 70-72 and the pH is within the normal range.  In the past few weeks I noticed the fins of many of the fish were beginning to disappear.  I also noticed that they were beginning to scrap up against the rocks in the tank.  After having looked at some info I thought there was a possiblity of skin parasites, so I added a parasite clear.  Within 24 hours of adding this, 3 fish were dead.  I automatically changed the water and we are continuting to loose fish on a regular basis.  The fins are still frayed and now the fish appear to be jerking in the water for no reason.  They will be swimming and all of a sudden it appears that they are having spasms.  I have been monitoring the water and changing it like I should before this started.  I have looked at information online but I can't seem to find an answer.  If you could provide a little help that would be great.  I hate it but I am honestly thinking about not keeping fish anymore.  Thanks, LD

Answer
Hello Laurin! Sorry to hear about your trouble....

From reading your fishes behavior and their appearance I would instantly think the fish are picking on each-other and pestering each-other to the point of the weaker ones succumbing. Especially since they are African Cichlids. Frayed fins can be an illness (a bacterial disease known as finrot) but I would more likely think of this as being from the other fish nipping and fighting with each other.

Have you observed your fish persistantly fighting with each-other? I wouldn't add anymore medication until you know what you are treating for. Parasites typically show up as odd spots or any unusual coloration in the fish. Have you noticed any of this at all on your fish?

You should try slowly raising the temperature of the aquarium water. 70-72 Is a bit low for most tropicals. Slowly raise it a few degrees every day until you reach 76-80 F.

Please if you would let me know if you have seen any odd appearance to your fish besides frayed fins--which I strongly believe is the result of fighting with others. Let me know.
Are you always adding dechlorinater at every water change?
Are you certain you equalize the temperature of the replacement water to that of the aquarium?
Have you been doing large enough water changes at the first sign of problems-- at least 30-50%. These are just possibilities I am trying to narrow down to figure out your problem.

I do hope you don't give up the hobby! :( African cichlids aren't always the easiest fish to love. They can have such bad territorial issues--but they are beautiful fish as long as you get their aggressive issues subdued.

Well, I really hope this helps! Please feel free to email me and talk more about this problem in order to solve this mystery....

My very best wishes and Happy fishkeeping!
Karen~