Loaches Online Forum

I noticed saturday that 1 of my 4 clown loaches was half buried in sand and alone, since then the other 3 seem to have contracted the same symptoms.
They are not interested in food (previously came out at the same time each evening waiting for food) they are very docile, occasionally swimming into things and the glass, they are also hiding more and spend alot of time on their back or side. They are whipping themselves against the sand continously when they do move. I can physically touch them without them swimming away and they seem to be dead, with their mouths open, this happens for a while then they perk up? I have had these loaches for approx 6 months, they have always seemed lively and content, they clicked and fed happily. I do frequent water changes and check the water with an AIP test kit, which shows the water has good amonia and nitrate levels, these levels have never faultered in this time. Can anyone help me? I dont want them to die, they are a great fish and I have grown attached to them.

What? No replies yet to this emergency?!

I have little idea of what it could be as the only dysfunction I have experienced with my Loaches was at the very beginning as they came with whitespot that was easily cured.

A stab in the dark - I have a hunch that you may have an electrical problem with your equipment (cracket or leaky heater?). I would check this out a.s.a.p. And CAREFULLY ! (but I am probably wrong).

All the best in sorting this out btw.

whipping themselves against the sand

This suggests an irritant. Could be water chemistry, or parasite.

The small parasite Velvet is hard to see, and can produce these symptoms.

Changing water chemistry, such as Ammonia or wrong pH can cause the itching.

not interested in food

A general symptom of something wrong, but almost any problem makes them lose their appetite.

hiding more

Again, a general symptom of something wrong without pointing to what it is.

What I would do:
Research external parasites, especially Velvet, and probably start treating for that. Most of the medications that kill Ich also kill Velvet, but the other parts of the treatment are a bit different. For example: Velvet has some ability to photosynthesize, so turn off the lights.

I do not know if the fish have Velvet, but that is what it sounds like: Itchy symptoms, water chemistry is stable, no visible parasite.