Open lesion in the head

[Energy]

I am somewhat new to Discus but experienced with fish in general. 2 of my 9 Discus have recently gotten open lesions on their heads. One has succumbed - the other is still surviving.

System- 1700 gallon amazon river biotope- about 500 gallon water section.
Daily water change of 50 gallons RO at 1 ppm and 20 galllons of dechlorinated tap water at 170 ppm.

Food is Beefheart/mixed with spirulina, frozen bloodworms, pe mysis, soaked in garlic and selcon.http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/4-22-106.jpg

Overall photo of the system.

Any help treating or identifing the cause of the infection would be appreciated.

[Spardas]

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?t=38545

Please fill this out.

On another note, that's one awesome set up!!!

It seems like there are quite a bit of sharp edges on those rocks, did any of your fishes injure themselves?

[Eddie]

Yes, WICKED tank, my dream tank!

[jball1125]

Holy crap that is soooo unique!

I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It could be that they are hurting themselves with all the decoration.

Do they dart around alot when you approach the tank. Or maybe there is a bigger fish chasing the smaller ones around?

[Darrell Ward]

The water depth is so shallow, it's not surprising they're getting banged up. Fill that sucker up!

[Energy]

Thanks for the compliments everyone. There are two stingrays in with the discus-one large leo and one small motoro. The rays don't even recognize the discus and they aren't bothered by the rays. I thought about accidental injury but both discus had the same symptoms.

The discus show no signs of nervousness from people or the inhabitants of the tank.

For your viewing pleasure:

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/4-22-104.jpg
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/4-22-102.jpg
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/4-22-10.jpg
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t149/Energy1212/4-22-105.jpg

[Energy]

DISEASE QUESTIONNAIRE


Problem

1. Please explain the problems with your fish/when and how they started

Lesion in the head which progressively spreads and overcomes the fish.



2. Symptoms (i.e. turning dark, excess slime, not eating, clamped fins, flashing, darting, clamped gills, white/yellow/green poop, hiding, headstanding or tailstanding, white on tips of fins, rotting or fungus, blisters/ white zits on fish, bloated, cloudy eyes, wounds)

Open soar around the head.




3. What medications/ treatments that you have already tried and results. Include dosages and duration of treatment.
No medication- soak their food (beefheart,spirulina,bloodworms and pe mysis) in selcon and garlic.




Tank/Water

4. Tank size and age, number and size of fish
total tank size 15'5" by 5' wide water depth about 12-14 inches. total water volume in the system is about 500 gallons.



5. Water change regime/ how long has tank been running/ bare bottom or gravel/ do you age your water?
Semi-planted tank- automatic water change daily of about 60-70 gallons- mixed 50 gallons RO only and 20 gallons dechlorinated tap aerated for 24 hours


6 Parameters and water source;

- temp ___82.5__

- ph __6.8___

- ammonia reading ___0_

- nitrite reading _0___

- nitrate reading __5__

- well water __0__

- municipal water _see above___

7. Any new fish/plants added recently

some cardinal tetra's

[antpal01]

Energy, welcome to simply! Tremendous tank. You need to start a thread on its set up and evolution. Very impressive!

Onto the problem...

I have a similar problem and here's the thread.

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?t=79539

Notjustfish suggested that I treat his wound with Potassium Permanganate via q-tip. Another person offline suggested hydrogen peroxide with a q-tip. I did two separate applications - trying each once. the white puss seems to have not come back since the applications. And he is eating. I am also treating with metro, in the event that the issue was caused by hexamita or hole in the head disease.

I am going to try the bi-bandage, which eddie suggested, to try to help the healing process.

I am staying positive that this will work. I will update my post, but thought this might be worth sharing.
thx,
ant

[Ed13]

HUH? I'm PRETTY sure I remember this tank being a reef;);)

DEF, big possibility they are getting hurt with all that wood and rocks. If they are skittish or being scared by something they could be getting scraped as they dart around, which would explain why the lessions are on their head.

Are the fish dieing after the lession?
Lession or open sore?
Does it appear seemingly overnight or gradually?
Are they always on the head of the fish?
Pics?
Where the fish quarantined?

BTW, Welcome to Simply!

[Ed13]

Just so you know I remember the good ones:D and this one was good saltwater and freshwater.;)
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-01/totm/index.php


This man has talent, so hopefully we can help him out here!

[Energy]

Energy, welcome to simply! Tremendous tank. You need to start a thread on its set up and evolution. Very impressive!

Onto the problem...

I have a similar problem and here's the thread.

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?t=79539

Notjustfish suggested that I treat his wound with Potassium Permanganate via q-tip. Another person offline suggested hydrogen peroxide with a q-tip. I did two separate applications - trying each once. the white puss seems to have not come back since the applications. And he is eating. I am also treating with metro, in the event that the issue was caused by hexamita or hole in the head disease.

I am going to try the bi-bandage, which eddie suggested, to try to help the healing process.

I am staying positive that this will work. I will update my post, but thought this might be worth sharing.
thx,
ant

Thanks for the advice- at this time the second fish has died. If it happens again I will take your advice.


HUH? I'm PRETTY sure I remember this tank being a reef;);)

DEF, big possibility they are getting hurt with all that wood and rocks. If they are skittish or being scared by something they could be getting scraped as they dart around, which would explain why the lessions are on their head.

Are the fish dieing after the lession?

YES

Lession or open sore?

CAN'T REALLY TELL- IT'S AN OPEN WOUND

Does it appear seemingly overnight or gradually?
HAPPENS OVERNIGHT AND THEN GETS WORSE LEADING TO DEATH WITHIN DAYS

Are they always on the head of the fish?
SO FAR

Pics?

SORRY-NONE AVAILABLE-IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN I WILL TAKE SOME PICTURES

Where the fish quarantined?

I DID QUARANTINE THIS LAST FISH WHILE TRYING TO HEAL IT.

BTW, Welcome to Simply! Thank you.



Just so you know I remember the good ones:D and this one was good saltwater and freshwater.;)
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-01/totm/index.php


That was my stingray reef now a stingray river.

This man has talent, so hopefully we can help him out here!

Thanks!

[antpal01]

Energy - the bio bandage seems to have worked for me. I would definitely recommend it. Hoping you don't encounter the issue any more!

thx,
Ant