Somethings wrong with my five-bar.it trys to scratch itself!

[sweetpickles7]

I think there might be something wrong with my five-bar cichlid.For some reason it trys to scratch itself on this log i have in my tank.Im confused,what is it trying to do?It just started doing it today.There is another five-bar cichlid it might be a female or male i cant tell the difference.Is it marking its territory in the tank?

 

[Cichlid-Man]

What are your water params? Temp?

Usually thats a sign of ich. I'd do a waterchange and make sure your temp is where it should be.

 

[sweetpickles7]

nitrate:20 and 0 hardness:soft ph:8.1 alkalinity:180 to 200
Temp:80 F

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Any traces of ammonia? A little high nitrates...i'd do a good Water change and see if that helps.

 

[sweetpickles7]

ok,thanks cichlid-man.

 

[GeraldTheMouse]

I would do a water change and add some freshwater aquarium salt too.

 

[Dino]

I would slowly up the temperature to 83F.
The freeswimming part of it's lifecycle dies if exposed to water warmer than 82F.
Do daily water changes over the next few days.hat should help as well.

Dino

 

[sweetpickles7]

ok, i ve been doing water changes and it seems to help