melodicone

Tank stats:
30 Gallons
ammonia: 0
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 10
pH: 8.3
Temperature: 78
1 Clarkii Clownfish
1 Coral Beauty
2 Firefish
2 Thinstripe hermit crabs
1 Coral Banded Shrimp


Ok my firefish are flashing on the gravel on the bottom of the tank. they have no signs of parasite or ICH, other than the flashing, and I actually quarantined them and medicated them for those just in case, and they are still doing it, so I dont think its that. The other fish in the tank arent agressive towards them so I dont think they are being nipped at... what other reason could they be flashing for?

Lucy

I don't know anything about SW but flashing in FW fish can be a sign of ich or parasites as you already know.
In FW fish they can have the beginning stages of ich but you may not see it if it's say, inside the gills.
Sorry, I can't be of more help.
I'm sure one of our salty members can help you further.

melodicone

ok heres a picture of the fish. no signs as far as I can tell. nothing looks worse or better... and its still flashing. its been a couple weeks I would have thought that something would show up by now

Peterpiper

Hi,
By flashing, do you mean raising the top fin?
If you do, then you dont need to worry as this is normal for the firetails.
If they start rubbing, then look for signs of ich

cerianthus

Yes, it is normal behavior w/ doral fin. Just two. How about having few more?
Maybe Purple Firefish.

melodicone

actually I was refering to the scratching of themselves on the gravel below. I'm trying to medicate them again to see if it helps. they have no physical signs other than the scratching to indicate ich or velvet. but it may not be visible. this will be my 3rd try at medicating them ... i hope it works

cerianthus

Ever try keeping Skunk Cleaner Shrimp depending on layout (LR)of tank since you already have CBS. Fish will recognized skunk as cleaner and will come for grooming service when in needs.

melodicone

actually I used to have one in my last tank those things are great! believe it or not... my CBS cleans the fish.. I was SHOCKED! considering my last CBS did nothing but be angry and pinch all of my fish.

cerianthus

Even fish & inverts do have different persoality! Isnt that Amazing ? and what keep this hobby more challenging and FUN. Although CBS can but my choice for groomer, Sknunk is the winner!

melodicone

oh just an update! after 3 days of requarantine and medicating the firefish they have stopped flashing! i'll never know what it was though since there were no marks on them. The meds i used treat ich, velvet, and gill flukes so it could have been any of those. I agree that the skunk is the best! they are alot of fun to watch, I'm actually about to start a reef tank soon, and that will be one of its first inhabitants!

reefplayground

You could have had an infection and just no physical signs yet. With that kind of behavior its always better to treat the infection as early as possible.