I kept this species in hard water, pH 8.0, and approx. 25-26C - never had any HITH issues. I know others with similar results.
IME, OH Tapajos are not often prone to HITH, and I have seen them kept here in hard water with pH 8.0+ without issue. Large adult fish.
In his book on eartheaters, Weidner states; "A hardness up to 20 dGH and alkaline water (up to pH 8.0) will not prevent G. sp. Tapajos Orange Head from breeding successfully, and this species does not seem to be particularly susceptible to the skin lesions that commonly occur in Geophagus in harder water."
While I agree with Duane regarding tannins, humic acid, turpines, etc, found in many of these species natural waters, and it's benefit in keeping certain bacteria at bay, with this species, keeping your water clean and well oxygenated, is key. If you want to add peat, ketapang leaves, etc to your water that's all good and well, but keeping the water free of bacteria build up is most important. IMO the underlying problem has nothing to do with your pH, or your hardness. I just simply don't buy into that. HITH is typically caused from some form of stress, but your water conditions would not typically be what I would consider stressful to this species. Perhaps from aggression? Sexual tension among the group?
You might want to read the following.
www.monsterfishkeepers.com
www.monsterfishkeepers.com
Good luck.
IME, OH Tapajos are not often prone to HITH, and I have seen them kept here in hard water with pH 8.0+ without issue. Large adult fish.
In his book on eartheaters, Weidner states; "A hardness up to 20 dGH and alkaline water (up to pH 8.0) will not prevent G. sp. Tapajos Orange Head from breeding successfully, and this species does not seem to be particularly susceptible to the skin lesions that commonly occur in Geophagus in harder water."
While I agree with Duane regarding tannins, humic acid, turpines, etc, found in many of these species natural waters, and it's benefit in keeping certain bacteria at bay, with this species, keeping your water clean and well oxygenated, is key. If you want to add peat, ketapang leaves, etc to your water that's all good and well, but keeping the water free of bacteria build up is most important. IMO the underlying problem has nothing to do with your pH, or your hardness. I just simply don't buy into that. HITH is typically caused from some form of stress, but your water conditions would not typically be what I would consider stressful to this species. Perhaps from aggression? Sexual tension among the group?
You might want to read the following.
Whats the big deal about soft water cichlids in hard water. Rant
I have seen this many times, ”I put my severum, or oscar in my high pH, hard water when young, and it’s been fine, 3 months, or even a year later.” But often, maybe 3 years or less later, a post comes up. “My oscar, or severum has lots of HLLE scars, and I haven’t done anything different.”...
www.monsterfishkeepers.com
HITH - Revisited
Over the years numerous things have been blamed as the cause of Hole in the Head disease in fish. While this is still a confusing subject among hobbyists one thing has become clear, the pathogen responsible for the ulcerated pits in the head and body of ornamental freshwater fish with this...
www.monsterfishkeepers.com
Good luck.
especially the hith-revisited one was very useful. this forum is really great i must say. i will keep up my water changes and continue with the changes i've already made, add more tannins and hope for the best. and i didn't see any agression between the fish. once i saw two of them lip locking but that's about it. sexual tension the same. i don't really see anything stressful (in my eyes) to the fish. i was wondering if my two larger canister filters have an impact on minerals in the water and that this could be also a reason for my problems? -> mineral deficiency? anyway i'm adding them now to the water and will see how it goes...
