Acara forehead scales

[ebakeeper]

Have you tested your water?

Yes

If yes, what is your ammonia?

0

If yes, what is your nitrite?

0

If yes, what is your nitrate?

20

If I did not test my water...

1. ...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...

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

Over time I’ve noticed lighter scales develop across the forehead / frontal regions of my blue acaras. The oldest two have the most noticeable features and it seems to be developing in the younger one. I’ve attached photos. I know that they change colours under different conditions but this looks more like damage or disease, only localized to that region.

 

[kno4te]

Looks like fin and body rot. Would try some triple sulfa. Check ur water hardness. That’s my suggestion.

 

[ebakeeper]

Thanks for the reply. I had to buy a Fluval test kit. My GH is 100 mg/L and KH is 40-50 kg/L, which seems like it would be good for these South American fish. My pH is 7.4-7.6 according to the API kit which is maybe a bit high for them. Unfortunately Canada has introduced limitations on antibiotic use for the aquarium hobby

 

[kno4te]

Thanks for the reply. I had to buy a Fluval test kit. My GH is 100 mg/L and KH is 40-50 kg/L, which seems like it would be good for these South American fish. My pH is 7.4-7.6 according to the API kit which is maybe a bit high for them. Unfortunately Canada has introduced limitations on antibiotic use for the aquarium hobby

That’s a prob. Could try a salt dip.