Loaches Online Forum

I've recently added 9 baby clowns to the existing school of 9, making a total of 18.

Whilst feeding them, I noticed one or two of the new and older clowns flashing (rubbing the side of their body against the gravel) - is this a sign of ich?

I just tested the water param, it seems OK with 0 Ammonia, 0 Nitrite and 20 Nitrate, pH is 6.0.

Is there anything I can do in the mean time? I have fed the fish more frequently since adding the new clowns, I am thinking of doing a water change later today.

It probably is a sign of external parasites, which is most likely to be ich.

You can be aggressive and treat for ich now before it becomes a major problem. IMO, waiting for ich spots to appear makes the fish suffer more. You should decide on a treatment method and get on this right away.

Good luck and Next time please try to quarantine the new loaches before adding them to your main tank.