Fish acting crazy

[joedunegan]

I have a Powder Blue Tang that just started acting crazy. He darts across the tank and spins on his side and then turns cart wheels, so to speak. I don't see any signs of ich. Any suggestions?

 

[beth]

Do you have a grounding probe installed in your tank, sump? How long have you had this fish?

 

[joedunegan]

I don't have a grounding probe. don't even know what that is and never heard of it. I am a beginner at saltwater tanks but have 1 1/2 experience with freshwater. I noticed lastnight that another one of my fish was scratching up against a rock constantly. Now my naso tang is laying on the bottom barely alive. My tank readings are normal so my guess is that I have an infestation of ich. I have had the Powder blue for about 11 days. He is still alive and still whirling around. I am dumb founded. I am treating for ich anyway because the other fish are bound to be stressed out. Do you have any other suggestions?

 

[urodude]

I'm no expert but without seeing lesions, I doubt ich is the cause for multiple fish to suddenly crash like that. More likely a water quality issue. How old is the tank, what kind of water did you use, what are your readings(amm, -trate,-trite,ph,SG)?
Doing a 30-40% water change as a crisis managment measure might save some fish.

 

[beth]

Do you see parasites? Look at the fish in the Diseased Fish Thread if you are uncertain what ich looks like....or post a some digital pictures.
Scratching is a symptom of ich.
You should, as well install a grounding probe in your tank. They are only around $12.

 

[8x8nhl]

what do ground probes do?

 

[beth]

They remove stray voltage caused by your electrical equipment. You need to plug them into a grounded outlet. Most important, they keep hobbyists safe from being electrocuted.
Sometimes fish exposed to the stray voltage will dart around erratically.

 

[missymoo]

Beth,
Where can I purchase a grounding probe? Any stores online carry them?
Thanks!