Is HITH contagious??????????

[sophie68]

Hi all,
I have just realized that I recently lost one of my discus to HITH. I believe I have another one (from the same dodgy breeder of course ) which is getting sick. I can see little white marks near his eyes, just like the one that died about 1 month ago. He's still eating, but gets dark and stays isolated. My water parameters are: temp: 86 F/ ph 7/ ammonia 0/ nitrites 0.10 ppm (working on getting them to 0!!!!!!)/ nitrates 10 ppm. I also tested my oxygen levels, they are fine.
Not sure if HITH is contagious. I have been feeding very varied foods, adding garlic and vitamins. Any info would be very welcome!!!! Thanks!

Sophie

[pcsb23]

Basdically most if not all, discus have some form of flagellates in them. Normally they keep them under control but when stressed the flagellates become an issue. This si often a cause (or suspected cause) of HITH. Metro will treat it and help, but quality water and good food is the real key here. Can another fish catch flagellates?, probably I would think - particulary if it was stressed.

[sophie68]

Hi Paul,
Thanks for your reply. May I assume that the disease is somehow genetic or does it come down only to water quality/stress/nutrients? I read a whole book called Discus Health by this guy called Untergasser. He seems to say that if one adds some nutrients, the fish gets better. I have actually been adding minerals and calcium to my water since day 1, so I was hoping to escape that disease!!!!! Anyway, I have just quarantined my fish (he's one of the biggest one) and used metro. I also have metro bits, do you think I should feed him these? How long should I do the metro treatment for? 10 days daily is what I was told. What do you think?
Thanks!

Sophie

[pcsb23]

Hex is not genetic, but it is endemic. I have for a long believed that a lot of the HITHis down to deficiencies in diet, be it minerals or vitamins or whatever. A number of top breeders, particularly in Asia, have "cured" fish with improved diet and water quality. Environmental conditions have a direct influence on the well being of the fishy ime. With HITH sometimes meds are necessary, but also with good husbandry, diet and water quality, meds are not needed.