hi, have just joined. little bit worried about my oscar. pretty sure he has hole in the head, also a little swollen belly. My other oscar is fine. pretty sure it's the water causing it. so are now under going frequent water changes. Last time it was tested it was high in nitrate so am using amtrite down. also using a brand 'golden rainbow' - 'treating fungus aqua', that i got from an aquarium. i'm in melbourne australia. does anyone know of hole in the head medicine here? He doesn't seem to be getting worse,but not sure he's getting better? please help. how do i post a picture?

pristine water and varied foods is always the first defense against HITH.
if your fish had it already, water change is the first approach too.

here is what i will do if i am in your shoes:
1) do large water change but do not alter or clean the filtering system
unless you notice the decrease in flow rate.
2) if filter do need cleaning, clean it in tank water, not on tap.
3) increase the temp to 80 to 83 deg F, and add some agitation on water
4) add pure salt at 1 tablespoon/10 gal water.
5) feed sparingly and remove all unconsumed foods after 3 minutes

i am not used to add medicine, thus, i do not give recommendation.
btw, welcome to the site

Post a pic too...I was absolutely convinced my Oscar had HITH and it turned out just to be damage from rocks etc. There's a very good possibility he doesn't so make sure you check first.

johnnyphoenix wrote:

that is also true...the reason why i did not recommend any medication yet.
the step stated above can also help injury heal faster.
to determine whether it is HITH or not, you should post picture.
further, water parameter can also help? what is your tank size?
filtration?

hi there, thanks for the advice. did frequent water changes and water is now pristine, according to my local aquarium. they ended up giving my some under the table tablets for him, that you would normally get from the vet. it was 5 a day, for 3 days, change the water, then repeat. he doesn't seem to have gotten better. i have moved the heater to the middle of the tank now because i am seperating a catfish from him. there is good agitation of the water and i have been using salt crystals. i will try raising the temp. it's on 26 degrees atm.
Also it's definately hole in the head, showed the aquarium people via pic. it's quite bad, one of the hole's is making his nose bigger. he also has a bit of fin rot. my other oscar is perfect though.
any other suggestions? thanx for the help.

Do you have any activated carbon in the filters ? This sucks out the medication so doesnt benefit the fish.

Some people have a hospital tank that they put the sick fish into so that all that is in there is a heater and a filter that can keep the water clean. This prevents the disease from passing to the other fish in the tank.

steveo1982 wrote:


I never use activated carbon in my tank.