Hole in the head disease?? - pls help..

[ottawa_fry22]

Hey everyone,

I noticed tonight while doing water changes that my Threadfin Acara either injured itself on a rock or has hole in the head disease..or some kind of parasite.   

The picture I have provided is the clearest out of the shots I took so I hope it will give an idea.

I haven't personally seen hole in the head disease and don't know anything about if there is a treatment for it.

I really hope I can help her.  She is beautiful and I have had her since 2009.

I do water changes weekly..about 45%.  I havn't gotten any new plants that would carry parasites or any new fish.

This must have occurred over this past week.  She isn't acting any different than she usually does.  Still eats,etc.

Thanks,
Stephanie

[exv152]

This is a very common pest that afflicts most cichlids...see the six steps in this link, which aren't actually very hard to follow http://www.worldcichlids.com/diseases/Adamhith.html

[ottawa_fry22]

Thank you for the article.  It was a good read and I make a little list of what I'll need which is pellet food with vitamins and/or high quality multi-vitamin powder.  Also aquarium salt..which I hope won't hurt my plants..but I think I heard that it should be fine.  There is also the Hexamita treatment.

I need to get myself a nitrate test kit.  I am afraid to see the reading for it but it would be understandable if I'm battling nitrates because my plants are not as full as they used to be due to no co2 system which I am hoping to get together asap.

My local pet store is Rick's Hobbies and Aquaria.  So I hope I will be able to find everything I need.

Thanks again,

Stephanie