unclenedsfishfactory.com

Hi,

I think my jurupari may have the beginnings of hole-in-the-head. I was a little slack over the last month or wo with water changes--I averaged an 25-30% change every two weeks (fresh water was treated with Novaqua)

I just did a 50% change. I will do another 50% change next week.

Water quality before the 50% change was:
30-40 ppm nitrate
nearly 0 ppm nitrite
~100 ppm total hardness
~120 ppm total alkalinity
pH ~6.5 (maybe slightly lower)

With the jurupari (~4-5 inches) in a 29 gal. aquarium are: a Uaru (3-4 inches), 4 zebras, 2 mollies, and a small gold chinese algea eater.

What else should I do?

I'll bet $20 you are using carbon in the filter.

Admin wrote:

I'll bet $20 you are using carbon in the filter.

I am. Why should I not be?

'cause it causes hole-in-the-head with south american eartheaters
(& other south american cichlids)
[darn I'm old]
so..
1st... pay me $20...
or just buy $20 worth of good stuff from UNFF...
anyway...
remove carbon from filter...
leave foam, ceramic or gravel in filter..
add vitamins to water and/or food
increase frequency of water changes
increase quantity & frequency of feedings...
increase vitamins in feed...
...increase heat 83 degrees F. maximum...
increase aeration....2 filters or air pumps minimum..
(we have vitamins in dechlor... called Sera Aqutan.. good product)...
be patient...
holes fill in in 9 months ... trust me...
buy extra eartheaters from Ned's

From what I know,carbon takes a lot of useful minerals out
of the water.These minerals are important for fish health and
providing nutrients to plants.
If my fish happen to breed in one of my soft water tanks,I will
add minerals to harden up the water.Minerals are essential for
the healthy growth of fry.Usually I'll use a Seachem product that
contains calcium,magnesium,iron etc.(on the downside a lot of
these products contain phosphates).
However I do use carbon for short periods of time on occasion.It is
useful in removing chemicals after medicating a tank.Also to
clear up the water if it has a tint from algae or whatever.
For my tanks w/powerfilters(aquaclear),I cut to size Marineland floss which is not to thick and put that on the bottom w/sponge on top.
There is a lot of debate about 'hole in the head disease'-Hexamita(cause cure).No debate about listening to Ned though.
The only thing I know for sure that will help just about any problem is water changes ,water changes ,water changes and then do another water change.

Tom L

Thanks, guys!