Uncurable HITH

[perfect_imperfection]

OK guys I have been keeping SA/CA Cichids for almost 20 years now and have had the occasional run in with HITH (usually due to being young and not keeping up with maintenance). I have always been able to easily cure the problem, but now I am stumped.

I have a 150 with 6 small-mid sized silver dollars, a small immature Dovii, and a midsized Salvini. Filtration is a XP3 and two Bio-Wheel 350s. I do 35%-60% water changes usually twice a week and every week at the very least. I feed mixed pellets of hickari excelle, Omega one, and NLS, along with frozen treats of shrimp, smelt, and salmon. I have not used carbon in the tank for almost a year now, but just added some last week to see if it helps. The tank has been medicated with metronidazole for over a month and I have been mixing it in the food.

Temp-78 but tried increasing to 80ish with no results
PH-7.0
Ammonia-0ppm
Nitrite-0ppm
Nitrate-40ppm

Yet the Salvini's HITH seems uncureable and getting worse. Any secret tips will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Cross127]

Salvinis are one of the most prone fish to get HITH and most of the time will not cure. I ran into this with 2 of my salvinis and the tanks were perfect. They are more prone than even oscars. I was never able to cure mine.

 

[polomax24]

Is it getting chased by the dovii constantly? Maybe it is stress related rather than water quality.

 

[Fish_are_fishfood]

I am not sure but I am interested to see where this turns out. One of my geos has HITH and has had it for about 3 months now. It has its spurts, but I have constantly been treating the tank for it with the normal remedies. I give it a week or two, and then continue to add melafix or another treatment for ulcers, but it continues to spread slowly. I have in with him another geo, a pair, and she is totally untouched by it all, knock on wood, with perfect water conditions, but I always feel uncomfortable because I am afraid that when I come back on weekends, I stay at my college throughout the week, that it will be worse.

 

[countrykat]

Get yourself a UV. I have heard all the pro's and con's about them, but I have used one for the 20 years and have never had one sickness go through the tank. Nothing!! If think about it, the price of a UV is pretty cheap compared to the price of fish.

 

[perfect_imperfection]

Is it getting chased by the dovii constantly? Maybe it is stress related rather than water quality.

Actually the Dovii is in love with the Salvini and courts with her daily. Its the only fish he has ever tolerated. Her health seems to be good besides the holes, she behaves normal, colors are very good, and has a great appetite.