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Thread: How infectious is 'Hole in the Head'?

  1. #1
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    Default How infectious is 'Hole in the Head'?


    I visited a Discus importer last night. He had terrific Discus from a breeder in Hong Kong.
    In one tank he had a group of very nice adults. Nice until I saw they all had 'Hole in the Head' disease. I've read and heard this is mainly environmental. Any thoughts?
    Are any and all fish in this fishroom more likely to contract the disease?

    Thanks!

    John

  2. #2
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    Default Re:How infectious is 'Hole in the Head'?

    John,

    I don't believe that hole in the head is contageous. It's all about water conditions and lack of proper minerals in the diet, IMHO. I had an oscar who, I admit, was kept in poorish conditions and got a nasty case of HitH. I really made an effort to keep his 55 gallon super clean and I fed him a better diet. The holes cleared up nicely. I added other fish and none of them ever got it.

    John

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    Default Re:How infectious is 'Hole in the Head'?

    Well said John!!!!!! Live earthworms are supposed to be great for HITH.


    Ken

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    Default Re:How infectious is 'Hole in the Head'?

    There is some evidence (source dph) that suggests that hith is caused by Spironucleus vortens.
    I think it will clear up if the fish is kept at optimal conditions, allowing the immune system to deal with plague amounts of the protazoa.

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    Default Re:How infectious is 'Hole in the Head'?

    I have always found that clean water, 88-90 temp and a little metro. will get hith to go away very fast. Anyone think that this is also caused by Hexamita?

  6. #6
    Registered Member Carol_Roberts's Avatar
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    Default Re:How infectious is 'Hole in the Head'?

    I think hexamita colonizes the holes after they are there.
    Carol

  7. #7
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    Default Re:How infectious is 'Hole in the Head'?

    Thanks for the great feedback! I'm just being careful before buying some of his terrific specimens!

  8. #8
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    Default Re:How infectious is 'Hole in the Head'?

    Don't buy it.

    Jimmy.

  9. #9
    Registered Member korbi_doc's Avatar
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    Default Re:How infectious is 'Hole in the Head'?

    Some of you may remember my HITH posts with gold ss. I have found that this fish is really a canary, cuz if things are not quite right it threatens to repeat. Actually it did not go thru with it, but did increase w/c. This fish was several months with the holes, they did improve, & eventually resolved completely & no other fish was harmed in this tank!!!!!! He did develop the problem while on a VERY varied diet which included EARTHWORMS, fed 5-6Xday. I haven't any earthworms anymore, but they are great to feed. (Think I'm gonna try CBWs after I get my surgery for new knees next month.) I believe this is a very complex problem which has not been fully explained, & yes I believe the big H has a hand in it, & I used lotsa Metro. Just improve water params & feed well, it'll resolve. Dottie : : :

  10. #10
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    Default Re:How infectious is 'Hole in the Head'?

    Hi John,

    I agree with JimmyL. Don't do it. I know you are eager to get some great Discus into your tank but you should get diseased free ones. Why take the chance? Also you will be saving yourself money on medication as well as heahaches (from the constant worry).

    Treating diseased fishes are no fun (of course some disease are easier to treat than others, but that's aside the point).

    Just my two cents.


    Cheers,

    Chi.

    PS: Good things comes to those that wait...

  11. #11
    Registered Member korbi_doc's Avatar
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    Default Re:How infectious is 'Hole in the Head'?

    ANOTHER

  12. #12
    Registered Member korbi_doc's Avatar
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    Default Re:How infectious is 'Hole in the Head'?

    & this 1 is 1 month later; today there is no evidence of it.

  13. #13
    Registered Member korbi_doc's Avatar
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    Default Re:How infectious is 'Hole in the Head'?

    Couldn't agree more Chi, this one near drove me crazy & I still look for it, & yes used lotsa meds & w/c to correct it. I don't feel it's cured, cuz if anything goes off, he threatens to restart it. lol, Dottie

  14. #14
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    Default Re:How infectious is 'Hole in the Head'?

    Knock on wood Dottie

    You did a superb job and he does looks so much nicer! Kudos to ya


    Cheers,

    Chi.

  15. #15
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    Default Re:How infectious is 'Hole in the Head'?


    I have no plans to buy any of the diseased fish. I am considering buying discus from other tanks at this distributer. None of those fish show any signs of HiTH.

    Are ya'll implying that I should not buy anything from anyone who has any fish with HiTh?

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