fixing discus hole in head issue

[LunaSky]

My Discus have developed holes in their heads, and I'm not sure what's causing it. The tank is 75 gallons, kept at 84°F, with a pH of 6.5. I do 30% water changes twice a week, use Seachem Prime, and feed them a mix of frozen bloodworms and pellets. The filter is a Fluval FX6, and the substrate is sand. No new tankmates added recently. Any ideas?

[vimster]

My Discus have developed holes in their heads, and I'm not sure what's causing it. The tank is 75 gallons, kept at 84°F, with a pH of 6.5. I do 30% water changes twice a week, use Seachem Prime, and feed them a mix of frozen bloodworms and pellets. The filter is a Fluval FX6, and the substrate is sand. No new tankmates added recently. Any ideas?

Sounds like Hexamita, a common parasite in Discus. Your setup seems solid, but I'd recommend adding Metroplex to the food. Also, bump up the temp to 86°F for a week. What's your nitrate level? High nitrates can weaken their immune system.

[metiteh]

I had the same issue last year. Tried upping the temp and adding garlic to their food, but it didn't cut it. Ended up using API General Cure, and the holes healed in about two weeks. How old are your fish? Younger Discus seem more prone to this.

[Lish]

My fish had holes too, but I just did more water changes and they got better. Maybe it's the water? I don't test much, just change it when it looks cloudy.

[LunaSky]

My Discus have developed holes in their heads, and I'm not sure what's causing it. The tank is 75 gallons, kept at 84°F, with a pH of 6.5. I do 30% water changes twice a week, use Seachem Prime, and feed them a mix of frozen bloodworms and pellets. The filter is a Fluval FX6, and the substrate is sand. No new tankmates added recently. Any ideas?

Sounds like Hexamita, a common parasite in Discus. Your setup seems solid, but I'd recommend adding Metroplex to the food. Also, bump up the temp to 86°F for a week. What's your nitrate level? High nitrates can weaken their immune system.

Thanks for the advice. Nitrates are around 20 ppm. I'll try Metroplex and raise the temp. Should I isolate the affected fish?

[vimster]

My Discus have developed holes in their heads, and I'm not sure what's causing it. The tank is 75 gallons, kept at 84°F, with a pH of 6.5. I do 30% water changes twice a week, use Seachem Prime, and feed them a mix of frozen bloodworms and pellets. The filter is a Fluval FX6, and the substrate is sand. No new tankmates added recently. Any ideas?

Sounds like Hexamita, a common parasite in Discus. Your setup seems solid, but I'd recommend adding Metroplex to the food. Also, bump up the temp to 86°F for a week. What's your nitrate level? High nitrates can weaken their immune system.

Thanks for the advice. Nitrates are around 20 ppm. I'll try Metroplex and raise the temp. Should I isolate the affected fish?

Nah, no need to isolate unless they're getting bullied. 20 ppm nitrates are fine, but keep an eye on it. Also, try adding some vitamins to their food. I use VitaChem, and it's been a game-changer.

[metiteh]

Sounds like Hexamita, a common parasite in Discus. Your setup seems solid, but I'd recommend adding Metroplex to the food. Also, bump up the temp to 86°F for a week. What's your nitrate level? High nitrates can weaken their immune system.

Thanks for the advice. Nitrates are around 20 ppm. I'll try Metroplex and raise the temp. Should I isolate the affected fish?

Nah, no need to isolate unless they're getting bullied. 20 ppm nitrates are fine, but keep an eye on it. Also, try adding some vitamins to their food. I use VitaChem, and it's been a game-changer.

Yep, vitamins help a ton. I also noticed my fish got better when I switched to a higher protein diet. Beef heart mix is sketchy to prep, but worth it.

[Lish]

I just feed flakes. My fish seem happy, but they're not fancy or anything. Maybe I should try better food?