Blood Parrot issues

[CPfish]

Have you tested your water?

Yes

If yes, what is your ammonia?

0

If yes, what is your nitrite?

10-15

If yes, what is your nitrate?

10-15

If I did not test my water...

...I recognize that I will likely be asked to do a test, and that water tests are critical for solving freshwater health problems.

Do you do water changes?

Yes

What percentage of water do you change?

41-50%

How frequently do you change your water?

Every week

If I do not change my water...

...I recognize that I will likely be recommended to do a water change, and water changes are critical for preventing future freshwater health problems.

I’ve read the threads on black spot disease, spawning, stress etc., but I can’t seem to find pictures that match what’s up with Captain Blood Face. (My son named him/her). Getting darker by the day. Water parameters are on point, 25-50% water change 1/week. Test with full kit for everything. Plenty of pvc fittings for hiding spaces. No other fish has any problem. BLodd face is acting normal, eating, swimming, occasionally chasing someone around. But the color is disturbing. Just bought 2 weeks ago, color changing in last 3 days. Fed varies HQ diet as well. Help please?

 

[Deadeye]

Don’t worry! He’s just being part Midas!
Many amphilophus cichlids (devil, Midas, etc.) and their hybrids will go through a process called fading that usually brings out reds and whites more. They will take on a black appearance beforehand.
Parrots frequently do this, sometimes it’s triggered by stress, other times just naturally, and eventually the black disappears and you are left with an even brighter parrot!

 

[Rocksor]

My old BP faded, and the black never went away for 8 years.

 

[CPfish]

Don’t worry! He’s just being part Midas!
Many amphilophus cichlids (devil, Midas, etc.) and their hybrids will go through a process called fading that usually brings out reds and whites more. They will take on a black appearance beforehand.
Parrots frequently do this, sometimes it’s triggered by stress, other times just naturally, and eventually the black disappears and you are left with an even brighter parrot!

Thanks!!! Learned something new. Never had BP’s before now.

 

[CPfish]

My old BP faded, and the black never went away for 8 years.

Hope the fade goes complete ? looks like dirt all over him right now…

 

[deeda]

Is your nitrite reading really 10-15 or is that a typo? The nitrate reading looks fine.

 

[FINWIN]

Your nitrite shouldn't be at 10-15 (small ammonia spike or not cycled?)
nitrate is acceptable

May have to do several partial w/cs add Prime and add old media to the filter if you have any.

My blood parrot Patch had a big black circle on her nose when I got her. It peeled and never came back! But get rid of that nitrite, the spotting MAY be a reaction. Or not, but until that's stabilized you won't know for sure.

My parrot Boss has a white beard right now. He gets it for no reason then it goes away! Parrots can be really weird. I love the terra cotta pot, btw.

 

[CPfish]

Is your nitrite reading really 10-15 or is that a typo? The nitrate reading looks fine.

I bet I tested wrong then ? retest when I’m home from work…

 

[CPfish]

Your nitrite shouldn't be at 10-15 (small ammonia spike or not cycled?)
nitrate is acceptable

May have to do several partial w/cs add Prime and add old media to the filter if you have any.

My blood parrot Patch had a big black circle on her nose when I got her. It peeled and never came back! But get rid of that nitrite, the spotting MAY be a reaction. Or not, but until that's stabilized you won't know for sure.

My parrot Boss has a white beard right now. He gets it for no reason then it goes away! Parrots can be really weird. I love the terra cotta pot, btw.

I did add a couple new plants recently, did a 90% water change to vacuum everything really well at the same time. The other fish aren’t affected at all with anything odd, just my BP. Yeah my terracotta pot is my poor man’s solution to a fully planted tank! ?

 

[CPfish]

I did add a couple new plants recently, did a 90% water change to vacuum everything really well at the same time. The other fish aren’t affected at all with anything odd, just my BP. Yeah my terracotta pot is my poor man’s solution to a fully planted tank! ?

The FX 6 has been running with bio media for about 3 years, clean it out with aquarium water only, not tap water ever. Was thinking about adding a partially submerged plant container for marginal plants to help clean the water as well. Anyone ever do that?