Fish Scratching - High Alkalinity?

[ylmaya]

Noticed that the tangs are rubbing against the rocks and even the perculas are rubbing on the sand a bit......did an ALK test and got a reading of 11 (.28) which seems really high. Will do a 10G water change but how else to you lower ALK?

Also - is this why the fish are "scratching" or are they just being fish and I'm just being paranoid?

[Casey]

sounds like ich to me check for all water quality issues.

[Junkzoo]

Ditto Casey's thoughts,,,,
also , if you can , check on the fish in total darkness, after the lights have been out for a while , with a flashlight,or check the fish early in the morning,,,b4 it gets light,,
look for white cyst "bumps" on the fish,,,,
a lot of times you could miss it in the daylight, but they become more pronounced in darkness
let us know,,,,

[ylmaya]

The blue (hippo) tang definitely has "it" (of course - what blue doesn't)......what should I do!...

[Junkzoo]

Originally posted by ylmaya
The blue (hippo) tang definitely has "it" (of course - what blue doesn't)......what should I do!...

Mine, have had 6 in the last 3 yrs,,the first three grew up , and went back to the LFS, the current three never have showed a bit of a problem(lucky ,i quess)plus tank conditions, and feeding good and often feedings,,
reef tank? or FO?
FO , you can treat,,,
reef,,,hmmmm,,,, never had that problem, can't use copper based meds,,,
try spirulina,,,and maybe garlic soaked foods,,,not a cure all, but might help them fight the condition. people have had good luck with that , i hear,,
good luck!