Rhoms are about as susceptible to internal parasites as any other aquarium fish. Like stated before, almost the entire population of wild rhoms in the rivers of SA have some form or another of internal parasite. This doesn't stop their growth. They get their growth from their envirnment...which is impossible for us as hobbiests to duplicate. Gradual seasonal changes in their habitat, perfect water conditions with endless fresh, clean water and a perfect diet. It can't be done. That is what makes a rhom grow to large scales not de-worming.
I respect your confidence in this vet but fact is everyone, a small animal doctor, large animal doctor, herb vet or any other kind of vet is only going to know as much as what was minimally required of him to pass his test. He will not be anywhere near as experienced as the real thing.
Internal parasites or worms do not just "spring up" out of nowhere. They have to be introduced into the tank. If you are feeding live, that is when you should be most concerned. If you want to dose a few times a year because it gives you confidence, I say go for it. Its never recommended by advanced hobbiests to medicate for something that you have not 100% identified your fish having, however MOST meds for internal parasites are not harmful to unsick fish as long as directions are followed. And its your fish.
Something that alot of people forget about with the growth of Rhoms is that genetics plays a huge role as to how the fish will turn out. I've heard of experienced keepers having rhoms in healthy large aquariums for 5-6 years and having that rhom only make it to less the 9" or so.
At the beginning of the post, the poster talked about growing a smaller rhom to large lengths. I know that some people already said this but I will only add for people who are just getting into Serrasalmus Rhomeus: There is NO WAY that will happen. Some have grown medium sized rhoms to the beginning stages of large lengths. But nobody has grown a smaller rhom (3-4") to anything past 11". No matter what is done...Daily water changes, expensive drip systems, timed water movement, Heavily and healthy planted tanks, perfect diet. It doesn't happen.
I respect your confidence in this vet but fact is everyone, a small animal doctor, large animal doctor, herb vet or any other kind of vet is only going to know as much as what was minimally required of him to pass his test. He will not be anywhere near as experienced as the real thing.
Internal parasites or worms do not just "spring up" out of nowhere. They have to be introduced into the tank. If you are feeding live, that is when you should be most concerned. If you want to dose a few times a year because it gives you confidence, I say go for it. Its never recommended by advanced hobbiests to medicate for something that you have not 100% identified your fish having, however MOST meds for internal parasites are not harmful to unsick fish as long as directions are followed. And its your fish.
Something that alot of people forget about with the growth of Rhoms is that genetics plays a huge role as to how the fish will turn out. I've heard of experienced keepers having rhoms in healthy large aquariums for 5-6 years and having that rhom only make it to less the 9" or so.
At the beginning of the post, the poster talked about growing a smaller rhom to large lengths. I know that some people already said this but I will only add for people who are just getting into Serrasalmus Rhomeus: There is NO WAY that will happen. Some have grown medium sized rhoms to the beginning stages of large lengths. But nobody has grown a smaller rhom (3-4") to anything past 11". No matter what is done...Daily water changes, expensive drip systems, timed water movement, Heavily and healthy planted tanks, perfect diet. It doesn't happen.
