Does my Oscar have HITH?

[wiggywhitetrash]

Hey

I've had my Oscar since May when he was just over 2 inches. He's now over 7 inches and seems healthy, with the exception of the marks below. He's had these for as long as I can remember and I always assumed they were scars from getting roughed up by my 4 inch Firemouth who he shares the tank with. Even now he's twice the Firemouth's size he still gets his ass handed to him occaisionaly and never seems interested in fighting back. I've always assumed it can't be HITH as he's had them from a young age and the water is always good quality when tested, only recently I noticed these seem to be getting worse rather than healing. Any ideas?



Tank dimensions = 48"L 24"H 18"D 63UK Gallon (planned 6ft upgrade next year)
Tetratec EX1200 external filter
Tankmates = 1 X Firemouth, 2 X Pictus Cat, 1 X Bristenose Plec 1 X Green Phantom Plec

Cheers

Steve

 

[BadDogsPa]

Looks like HITH,mine always got it no matter what i tryed feeding and etc.Big water changes are all that helped..

 

[geronimo69]

I've never experienced it with my fish... but I have seen it in others and this is what it looked like. MASSIVE WATER CHANGES. No idea what else helps. I'm sure more experienced keepers will chime in.

 

[wiggywhitetrash]

Thanks for the replies guys. I do 60 - 70% every week without fail and I never notice issues with the water params. So will this just get worse and worse as he grows?

Steve

 

[tomomothy]

Heres the sticky on it since its def HITH:

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/f...-IN-THE-HEAD-THIAMINASE-What-you-need-to-know!!!!!!

The only thing i found to work was this, and best price I found at the time too: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578 4615 13940&pcatid=13940

The HITH on my oscar always came back though weeks after treatment and eventually did my o in. Follow directions on the meds exactly if you use, but read through the sticky on it. very helpful

 

[tomomothy]

And good luck and keep us posted

 

[Miguel]

Yes. Hith.
Water changes and garlic. Feed it food soaked in garlic extract or those NLS garlic pellets.

If water condition is right it will heal. Scar will stay, but that is how it is...

 

[Miguel]

Thanks for the replies guys. I do 60 - 70% every week without fail and I never notice issues with the water params. So will this just get worse and worse as he grows?

Steve

No. If your water quality is ok it will heal.

Try garlic before medication.

 

[wiggywhitetrash]

Thanks, I'll give this a read

 

[wiggywhitetrash]

OK, section 1 regarding 'thiaminase' in feeders is intersting. I've been feeding defrosted whole lance fish as a treat at least once a week. I guess it goes without saying that these have to go?
Think I'll visit my LFS at the weekend for some garlic and a second opinion on my water.
Thanks again guys, will keep you posted.
Cheers

Steve