Experience with HITH

[oPOLARISo]

Recently my husbands Oscar (which I have taken over care and maintenance of) Has developed HITH. His water quality, and the quality of his food was rather low for quite a while (55gal tank, 75 hob filter, and a 90% water change when I got sick of waiting for my husband to do it...so every month or sometimes less)
Recently, after actually asking on this forum, I stepped up water changes to once a week 90%, added a DIY filter packed with bio-media and changed his pellets from top-fin to hikari. Despite my efforts (or maybe because of them) he has formed the HITH, or at least it's progressed to the point that there is actually a hole in the head rather than just the discoloration that had be so worried (rightfully) before.
My husband wants to get rid of the Oscar and re-do the 55 with Angels. I have found a couple who want the Oscar, but I told them I wont give them a sick fish. It is a rather mild case, compared to what I have seen. In order to treat it I have stepped up the water change (possible after my parents bought me a water changer , so I could throw out the bucket method) to 50% water changes every day and I am treating with Melafix for the recommended week. (today will be day 4)
Other than this I was wondering if anyone had any advice that has worked for their fish, and can give me advice on some of these other methods I have looked into, and will be trying if this fails.
Epsom salt dip
Soaking food in Epsom salt
Soaking food in human vitamins (multi, or vitamines C,D and B)
Hydrogen Peroxide dip (diluted) or applied onto "holes" (full strength)

I will also (when finances allows) be trying to make a DIY fish food recipe from DIY King on you tube. I have tried adding split peas, but due to that fact that his only variety before has been live insects that I grab occasionally around the apartment. And hopefully be able to afford a 2nd 55-75 gallon filter to add additional filtration. (which will come in useful either way...I can always use another filter around the house)
Which methods have to tried, and have worked. Which ones are the fastest, and which the most risky. Any advice would be useful.

 

[suprd71]

Hith takes a long time to develop, and longer to cure. It is almost always caused by prolonged exposure to poor water quality. The cure is clean water. Depending on the severity, there may be permanent scarring. After being afflicted, the chances of recurrence are greater. You are on the right track with daily water changes. A vitamin supplement is very good. Boyd's Vitachem or Seachem Nourish are popular and high quality. Epsom soaked pellets are also good. In a half cup of distilled water, dissolve 3/4 tsp of Epsom salt. Saturate quality pellets and feed this exclusively for 5 consecutive days. There is no quick fix, the fish may have this for a year, he may recover in a few months. Be sure to do a thorough substrate vac with at least half of the water changes. Better still is to have a barebottom tank while trying to get the fish well. It may take a month just to get the hith in check. Its a lot of work, but the neglect must be undone, so pound as much clean water thru that tank as you possibly can. While doing water changes, dont stop at 50%, take the level down until the fish has just enough to swim in. I've seen Oscars recover from horrendous hith, compounded with lateral line erosion. It can be done, the commitment to success is on you.