Unable to effectively diagnos & treat Oscars

[Kimberle]

Hello,

I really need some help! We have two African Cichlids (Tiger Oscars). They are in a 55 gallon tank with a Pleco. They are approx 4-5 years old and, quite frankly, we don't know if they are male/female, female/female or male/male. The larger of the two does seem dominant and often bites, chases the smaller one.

I don't know the tank parameters but I can give as many details as to the problem that is occuring and the exhausting treatments that we have tried.

As I say, we have had them for 4 or 5 years with very little problem. Initially, we fed them only live goldfish feeders, and did water changes infrequently! The larger one began to develop "Hole in the Head" and my boyfriend said, "...all Oscars get Hole in the Head". I didn't believe that and started to research the topic.

We stopped feeding live feeders because I found that this may be a cause of the parasite related to the disease. We now feed: frozen beef liver, freeze dried shrimp, store bought frozen food (veggies & krill), occasional earth worms and spinach.

About two months ago, I noticed white. Ich like spots on their front fins. I treated them with "Quick Cure" (active ingredients: soluble Copper Salts) by "Aquarium Products"...followed directions: remove filter carbon, raised temp to 85 F. I even added aquarium salt in an effort to boost their immunity. Treated entire tank for 3 weeks with 3/4 water changes in between treatments. The white spots on their fins came back along with ragged edges and serious deterioration.

The local pet store reccommended "Maracyn" by "Mardel" (active ingredient: "200mg erythromycin activity"). Followed directions (which was no easy task because the medicine comes in tablet form and our Oscars would have eaten the tablets if I didn't break them up and disolve them prior to adding to the tank). Same things...no carbon, raised temp, aquarium salt, 3/4 water changes between treatments. Treated for two weeks...deteriorated fins came back in full force!

Desperate I searched the internet...didn't find you guys then . Found a site that recommended "Paragon" for the treatment of "Hole in the Head" and many other fish diseases. I didn't keep the boxes so I don't recall the manufacturer or active ingredient but it claims to be a 'broad spectrum anitibiotic.
......treated for three weeks, all the same conditions but also added "Stress zyme" by "Aquarium Pharmacuticals" (to replace the 'good bacteria')...Hole in the head still there (both now) and ragged, deteriorating fins are still there. Their fins always look better during treatment, no matter what I treat them with. Usually comes back really bad but this time it doesn't appear too terrible but it has only been one week since treatment ended.

Don't know what to try now...I realize all treatments can be poisonous and don't want to keep trying this and that...by just guessing...

I know that Hole in the Head is 'fatal' but at this point in time I think the Fin Rot (?) is a more immediate danger...

I would greatly appreciate some advice, soon! Thank You!
Kimberle

 

[Alien Anna]

Kimberle,
I'm no expert on oscars, or any cichlid, but I'll give your problem a stab.

What are your water parameters like? I will assume your tank is fully cycled and you don't have any ammonia or nitrite, but what about nitrate? Very high nitrates can be harmful to fish, particularly their immune system.

I'd work hard to make their water as good as possible - that means frequent water changes, keep the filter clear (but don't, for goodness sake, over-clean it and cause it to have to cycle again!). This should also have the effect of removing as many of the nasty chemicals you've used as possible. Also clean your gravel and make sure there are no "dead spots" giving off sulphar dioxide gas.

If you can, put some fresh carbon in your filter for a couple of days (to remove medications). After that, treat with Melafix for a week. As this is a very large tank you might find pond Melafix works out somewhat more economical. If you haven't heard of it, it's a soluble tea-tree tonic that kills bacteria, fungi and viruses and helps boost a fish's immune system.

Don't give any feeder fish to your oscars - that's a good way of introducing infection. I've read numerous suggestions for appropriate food on this forum but personally I'd stick to frozen food specificially designed for larger cichlids - it should contain the vitamins etc. that they need. But be guided by the cichlid experts on the forum. What you're aiming for is the best possible diet for your fish.

 

[Kimberle]

Thanks for your quick reply. I stepped away from my computer to test the PH of the tank...It's 7.5. Is that acceptable for Oscars?