A
AquaNut
Guest
My beloved male veil tailed marble angel has hole in the head. 
I noticed the first tiny hole probably two months ago. I was alarmed at first, but didn't take any action. I thought it best to watch and make sure I knew what I was dealing with before adding anything disruptive to my tank.
Today, there are two more tiny holes, both on the same side of his face where the first hole was. Interestingly, the first hole healed up. One of these two holes has a bit of white fungussy (I know it's not a word. Shh.) stuff in it.
He seems otherwise perfectly healthy. He eats like a piggie, spawns with his girlfriend every few weeks, and is unquestionably the king of the castle in that tank.
I'll call my vet tomorrow morning for a prescription for Metronidazole (a lot cheaper than buying pre-mixed remedies from the lfs, and offers a lot more control of dosage while skipping the filler ingredients). I've read that there's inconclusive evidence regarding the causes of hith. Some people say it's polluted water, but in this case I doubt that, as I'm religious with water changes and my nitrates are never high. Well.. not that I check them often, but I have checked them periodically before water changes just to make sure I'm on track (the test was originally purchased to settle an argument lol). Still, I did a w/c today, and will do them every other day for a couple of weeks.
I've also read there is a correlation between hith and use of carbon. I don't use carbon.
I've read that it can be due to a lack of variety in their diet. Sometimes I wonder if I feed my fish better than I feed myself and my daughter - don't think this is the culprit, either.
I've read it can be a lack of Vitamin C. It was recommended that you add vitamin C to some food, perhaps beef heart. Guess what! I already feed them a beef heart/spinach mixture I prepare for them... and I add Vitamin C.
I've read that you should add aquarium salt. My tanks already have salt.
Do fish normally respond well to the medicinal treatment? Does anybody know of anything else I can do? My silver female has no signs of anything and she's in the same tank. Apparently it's not considered to be very contagious? If anyone can offer any advice, I'd appreciate it. I've had him for years and am deeply attached to the big guy. He rubs against my fingers like a cat would. He's such a special fish to me. I feel horrible, like I've somehow neglected one of his needs. Have any of you successfully treated an angel for hole in the head before? I need some encouraging words. 
I noticed the first tiny hole probably two months ago. I was alarmed at first, but didn't take any action. I thought it best to watch and make sure I knew what I was dealing with before adding anything disruptive to my tank.
Today, there are two more tiny holes, both on the same side of his face where the first hole was. Interestingly, the first hole healed up. One of these two holes has a bit of white fungussy (I know it's not a word. Shh.) stuff in it.
He seems otherwise perfectly healthy. He eats like a piggie, spawns with his girlfriend every few weeks, and is unquestionably the king of the castle in that tank.
I'll call my vet tomorrow morning for a prescription for Metronidazole (a lot cheaper than buying pre-mixed remedies from the lfs, and offers a lot more control of dosage while skipping the filler ingredients). I've read that there's inconclusive evidence regarding the causes of hith. Some people say it's polluted water, but in this case I doubt that, as I'm religious with water changes and my nitrates are never high. Well.. not that I check them often, but I have checked them periodically before water changes just to make sure I'm on track (the test was originally purchased to settle an argument lol). Still, I did a w/c today, and will do them every other day for a couple of weeks.
I've also read there is a correlation between hith and use of carbon. I don't use carbon.
I've read that it can be due to a lack of variety in their diet. Sometimes I wonder if I feed my fish better than I feed myself and my daughter - don't think this is the culprit, either.
I've read it can be a lack of Vitamin C. It was recommended that you add vitamin C to some food, perhaps beef heart. Guess what! I already feed them a beef heart/spinach mixture I prepare for them... and I add Vitamin C.
I've read that you should add aquarium salt. My tanks already have salt.
Do fish normally respond well to the medicinal treatment? Does anybody know of anything else I can do? My silver female has no signs of anything and she's in the same tank. Apparently it's not considered to be very contagious? If anyone can offer any advice, I'd appreciate it. I've had him for years and am deeply attached to the big guy. He rubs against my fingers like a cat would. He's such a special fish to me. I feel horrible, like I've somehow neglected one of his needs.
Have any of you successfully treated an angel for hole in the head before? I need some encouraging words. 
