freshwater parasites

[ottawa_fry22]

Hey everyone,

So as a few of you may know from weeks back my 75gal has a parasite problem even though I had no bought any new fish or plants. My beautiful threadin acara female has the start of hole in the head which hasn't gotten any worse so far.  I also have my female half black angel that has inflammation in the nostal area and eats very little.

I had gone to Rick's Hobbies and Aquaria in Pembroke the other day in hopes to find a replacement bulb for my uv sterilizer.  Its a Coral Life Turbo Twist 3x.  Rick wasn't in but the lady said he may be able to order it in for me, I hope so.  I don't drive or make it in to ottawa and even so I never see any replacement bulbs in stock for that.

I picked up that Kent garlic liquid to mix into the foods.  Good that it says it is safe for plants because they are not doing well.  I just used it for the first time tonight in the food.  The acara ate it regardless of the new taste. Not so much the angel but I will give her time.  It says it can also be put into the water.  Anyone have any good results from using this product? I hope it will help meanwhile I look for a bulb.  I didn't want to try any medication until I get the bulb so it can perhaps work more sufficient to get rid of the problem.

My plants keep getting covered with the soft sand on the right side.  I always had one powerhead on the left but I think I will get another one for the other side.  Perhaps that will balance out the flow since the plants on the right are short.

Did a nitrate test tonight too.  I picked up the Nutrafin box with the vile.  The reading was good.  Looks more like 5ppm but could be between 5 and 10ppm.  I was thinking that it was high because the fish problems. 

I had only put in a large rock after rinsing it in hot water before the acara got hole in head.  I don't know if that is what caused it.  I wouldn't think so.  I don't know what caused it.  We on well water here and soften the water as well.

Any input on the matters would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Stephanie