Argentea problem, HELP!

[Adhlc]

I've been having an issue with my Vieja Argentea for the past 2-3 months now and I cannot figure out what is going on.

Firstly, tank specs:

Standard AGA 75G
Filtered by 2 AC110's (running biological and mechanical only)
Stock - 1x Vieja Argentea (11-12"), 4x Black Swordtails, 1 female Cryptoheros Sajica (3-4")
Weekly water change of about 15-20 gallons.

Nitrate, Ammonia, and Nitrite all stay at 0.
I used to keep the pH around 7.8-8.0, but have since dropped it slowly to around 7.2-7.4
KH is about 6-7
Temperature is around 76 degrees

Now - the problem. About 2 - 3 months ago I noticed two 1-2mm red "holes" on my Argentea's face, right in between his eyes. At first, I thought he had gotten spooked and slammed into one of the large lake rocks I have in the tank as decoration. I immediately started treating with salt and MelaFix. A few days passed and the redness went away but the holes almost seemed to grow. I then read up on Hole in the head and the many theories surrounding the disease. I've never missed a water change, and sometimes even did more than one 15 gallon w/c a week - on top of having 3 times the filtration I need. So I knew it couldn't be the water quality. I decided to throw out all the food I was feeding him/her at the time, which consisted of:

Sera Catfish Chips
Sera Vipa Chips
Sera Plankton Tabs
NLS H20 Wafers
Hikari Algae Wafers
Omega One Veggie Rounds
Omega One Green Seaweed

I picked up all new dry food - most of the same as well as some NLS Thera 6mm pellets and HBH Super Soft Spirulina pellets. On top of that, I have started soaking some of the food in H20 GVH fish food soak.

The holes seemed to grow larger then. So in addition to changing up his/her food, I took out all the carbon from the Ac's, picked up a brand new heater, and I began soaking the new food and treating the tank with Metronidazole and Erythromycin (Not at the same time). However the holes never went away.

Now just yesterday, I noticed two new holes, almost symmetrical - just above the fish's eyes on the side of his head. They're just barely noticeable, other than being fairly red. Again, I thought they came from moving rocks around the tank - so I took all but the largest, most immovable one out. I did a 25 gallon water change today, added half a dose of Melafix, and added 5 Tablespoons of Salt.

Now I need some ideas as to why this continues to happen. The old holes are not growing, but are certainly not healing - and the presence of new red sores or holes - is really bothering me. A few people have suggested this problem may be a result from the pool filter sand I use as substrate. I use barely enough to cover the glass so it's not thick, but could it be irritating the fish?

I apologize for such a lengthy post, but I'm growing desperate to fix this problem. While my Argentea seems happier and healthier than ever, something clearly isn't right. Any help, advice or suggestions would be VERY much appreciated.

Thanks
-Adam

 

[VRWC]

Hey Adam...sorry to hear about this man. I know how much you like your argentea

Ive used sand for 6 yrs now and never had this problem before and in all honesty, Ive never experienced anything like this or heard of it...so I dont know what it is at all.

I dont know the sensitivity of argenteas to chemicals and they might be more so than your other fish..so have you tested the chlorine in the water before you are putting it in the tank? are you going from the faucet straight in the tank? Have you tried doing 50% water changes and let the water sit for 24-36 hrs for the chlorine/chloramine to dissipate? Im not 100% positive that chloramine will dissipate, but i think it does. In the past 5 yrs or so, towns have started using chloramines in addition to other things to make the water cleaner for humans and ive read about this causing problems in aquariums.

Id also quarantine him in a substrate free tank with no decorations or anything until you can figure out whats going on...and Id keep the heat at at least 82...and probably go with double the salt you are currently using...those are starting points for what Id do if it were me.

Hopefully Lupin has seen it and can help you with it.

Good Luck man and Ill try and find out more info on it and get back with you tomorrow some time.

 

[Vincentii]

is it just on 1 argentea,or the whole group?

 

[Adhlc]

Thanks Scott for such a quick reply. The sand theory didn't seem very feasible to me either as I've always used sand as well. I've never tested for Chlorine or Chloramines, but I know there's plenty of it in the water around here. I typically fill up buckets in the tub, add prime and a 1/16th of a tsp. of Alkaline buffer ad then let the bucket sit for a few minutes while I test the pH.

As for the salt, I use Instant Ocean instead of typical Aquarium salt. Would you still double to amount in the tank?

Again, thanks for your input Scott. I really appreciate it.

 

[Adhlc]

Vincentii - I only have 1 Argentea. Whenever I'm able to get a 125, I may try two but for now he/she is alone.

 

[Vincentii]

Vincentii - I only have 1 Argentea. Whenever I'm able to get a 125, I may try two but for now he/she is alone.

i wish i could help you. bvut, im not sure what it could be. doubt very much its hith. cos viejas never get that. could be a freshwater parasite. leech or something< hard to diagnose it without seeing it .

 

[Adhlc]

I'll see if I can get some pictures tomorrow.

 

[Vincentii]

tank mates? and is it feeding as normal like how it did before the symptoms?

 

[Adhlc]

Tank mates are 4 black swords, and one Sajica. The only time I ever see any aggression is at feeding time the Argentea sometimes chases the swords away from the food. As far as appetite goes - there's never been any problem. He/she will eat whenever I throw food in the tank. Behavior is normal and his/her eys always stay bright blue (which I'd think is a good sign)

 

[Vincentii]

Tank mates are 4 black swords, and one Sajica. The only time I ever see any aggression is at feeding time the Argentea sometimes chases the swords away from the food. As far as appetite goes - there's never been any problem. He/she will eat whenever I throw food in the tank. Behavior is normal and his/her eys always stay bright blue (which I'd think is a good sign)

if its eating healthily as you say then its obviosly in good health. i suggest you do a 40% today and then 10% every day after that for 5 days and see if the symptoms go away. keep an eye out if the argenteas fins are closed. thats a sign its in a bit of stress and seek treatment.
cichlids are strong so shouldnt worry too much.