Clown Loach Rapid Gill Movements / Hyperventilating?

[Pixelated_Pirate]

Hey guys... I have two cute little Clown Loaches named Jack and Sally. Yesterday Sally (The smaller one) started bobbing near the surface of the tank vertically, but went to sleep fine. Today they are BOTH breathing very heavily and look like they are not having a good time. I think it may be some sort of parasite like ick or velvit, but I don't see any spots what so ever? I think it may be a parasite 'cause I saw one of the loaches scratching themselves on a shell at the bottom of the tank, and also on the sunken pirate ship. In the tank I also have tetras, rasboras, platties and a pleco. All of them seem to be happy and active, it's just the two loaches that are panting. I did a water a 20% water change and reduced the temperature a bit. I hope they can survive because they are very comical and sleep together in a bunk bed conch, lol there so funny and I don't wanna lose them. I'm gunna turn off the lights for the night and let them get some sleep and check the forum back early in the morning. If anyone can shed some light on my situation I will be very gratefull. I've had the loaches for about a month now and they've been happy ever since. Thank you in advance for your help.

[KLKelly]

I would check your water for blips in ammonia, nitrite, ph etc.

I hope its nothing.

[Ippo456]

What's your temperature?
Warm water doesn't hold as much oxygen as cooler water, but then again sounds as if your loaches might have ich.
Just turn the heater up to 82-84 & increase aeration for now.
Good luck.

[shari2]

How long has the tank been set up?
What filtration do you have?
Temp, pH, ammonia, nitrites, nitrAtes?
What size is the tank?

Flashing indicates discomfort of some type. Did you have a look at them using a flashlight? Sometimes velvet can be very hard to spot...

...and welcome to LOL.

[Pixelated_Pirate]

So I woke up this morning and Jack was at the bottom =(
So... I guess he's in a better place now because he isn't suffering. Sally is sticking it out, but is still panting pretty fast.

I have a 32 Gallon Tank
It has ben up and running for 2 and a half months.
For Filtration I have an AquaClear 50 FIlter that hangs off the back.
My temperature right now is 77F
Nitrate = 25
Nitrite = 0
GH = 180
KH = 75
pH = 7.8

Yesterday the levels were fine, I don't understand why they are so high today?