Discus Question.

[cynic]

Ok, first off i wouldn't have known a discus unless you hit me with it till recently but a neighbour of mine has some and has a problem with one of them.

It appears to have a 'hole in the head' more a dark area with some large white spots around it. I have experience of white spot in my tank and it doesent look the same, the spots are people spot sized if that makes sense.

There's 4 in a 240l tank with some angels and a couple of gourami's, don't flame me if its a bad choice its not my tank, he is paranoid at keeping the water temp at 28C. Water has a 10-15% change at least once a week.

I've tried to get some pictures but the curve in the tank makes it look like some fairground freak.

Any sugestions i can give. The LFS said its "Hole in the Head" apparently, i'll admit i burst out laughing. Is he serious?

Anyway i will pass on any reccomendations.

 

[onidrase]

Hole in the head is a real disease, I believe bacterial, that is caused by poor water quality and conditioning. From what I know, its persistent hard to get rid of. Never had it myself, but its possible. How often does he do water changes? Any live plants to help keep nitrate low?

 

[cynic]

He does 10-15% on a weekend, thing is he's paranoid about the temperature its important apparently.

The only plants are some spears thats it, with a gravel substrate. Pretty dull if you ask me, but like i said its not my tank.

 

[marksayer10@tiscali.co.uk]

10 to 15% is no where near enough for the water changes for discus. i do 30% at least twice a week if not i do at the very least 50% once a week. sounds like hole in the head to me or it could be ulcers. i always keep my tank around 29 degrees. tell him to get some med's and treat accvordingly. water quality with discus is paramount. they need decent water changes and often. if you can find out his water stats. i.e ammonia, nitrate, nitrite and phosphate and P.H

hope this sort of helps

 

[cynic]

Fish died the day after i posted