Treating Hexamita aka Spironucleus
- Thread starter RD.
- Start date
Hey, was hoping you could give some perspective on my dilemma...
I have an ongoing problem in my tank with what I believe to be "hexamita" or "spironucleus" (whichever it is). I've recently lost two juvenile 2.5" discus to this illness; they turned dark, stopped eating, and hid in the corner of the tank and eventually died, despite my attempts to treat them with Metronidazole at 500mg per 10g for two weeks.
I discovered *after* the deaths of the two juvies that I had failed to turn off the UV sterilizer on my canister filter (I thought I had; evidently not). Could this mistake have resulted in the Metronidazole being rendered ineffective?
Now one of my larger 4" discus is showing symptoms--disinterest in food, staying separate from the rest of the school facing the back of the tank, and "pacing" the tank swimming in a stressed manner with its dorsal fin clamped.
I've since tried to treat with the 3% epsom salt solution recommended in this thread, but since the discus no longer eats with the enthusiasm it once did (although it did eat some of the epsom-salted food at first; it's since lost interest) likely not enough was consumed to treat it. I've also attempted to administer epsom salt solution via a syringe, but no improvement so far (a great amount of the solution seems to run out of the fish's gills, so I'm not sure if I'm doing it correctly). About how long should I continue to attempt feeding the epsom salt solution before I try a different treatment?
I'd just like to first confirm that it IS hex/spiro and not some other illness? And if so, how would you suggest I proceed?
I have an ongoing problem in my tank with what I believe to be "hexamita" or "spironucleus" (whichever it is). I've recently lost two juvenile 2.5" discus to this illness; they turned dark, stopped eating, and hid in the corner of the tank and eventually died, despite my attempts to treat them with Metronidazole at 500mg per 10g for two weeks.
I discovered *after* the deaths of the two juvies that I had failed to turn off the UV sterilizer on my canister filter (I thought I had; evidently not). Could this mistake have resulted in the Metronidazole being rendered ineffective?
Now one of my larger 4" discus is showing symptoms--disinterest in food, staying separate from the rest of the school facing the back of the tank, and "pacing" the tank swimming in a stressed manner with its dorsal fin clamped.
I've since tried to treat with the 3% epsom salt solution recommended in this thread, but since the discus no longer eats with the enthusiasm it once did (although it did eat some of the epsom-salted food at first; it's since lost interest) likely not enough was consumed to treat it. I've also attempted to administer epsom salt solution via a syringe, but no improvement so far (a great amount of the solution seems to run out of the fish's gills, so I'm not sure if I'm doing it correctly). About how long should I continue to attempt feeding the epsom salt solution before I try a different treatment?
I'd just like to first confirm that it IS hex/spiro and not some other illness? And if so, how would you suggest I proceed?
An old thread but great info, Thx for posting RD. Epsom Salt is actually really hard to find here in Thailand. I finally found some at a local online store (https://healthfoodthailand.com/en/home/174-epsom-salt-.html), but is says "This is commercial grade and not rated food grade. Do not ingest! Do not eat!" So is it ok to use this or need food grade epsom salt?
Wow, that's weird. I had no idea that it would be difficult to source in Thailand.
I would only use food grade, some of the other mixes contain scents or fragrant additives for people who use it in baths. Sorry!
I would only use food grade, some of the other mixes contain scents or fragrant additives for people who use it in baths. Sorry!
Camellia, sorry for missing your previous comment. I hate playing fish doctor via a computer screen. I wish I could help you, but it's impossible for me to say with any certainty what you are dealing with.
Thanks for quick reply, you saved me, was just about to order that but thought I'd better get an informed opinion first; will keep looking. But yeah I was surprised too that it's so difficult to find here -- maybe it's because most Thais don't really have/take baths, mostly only showers...None of the super markets or pharmacies have it, though I've heard the traditional Chinese medicine shops might have it; they were closed today will check tomorrow. I've just noticed my Kamfa has a small lesion on his head; not sure it's HITH, am keeping watch, but would like to try this asap as a treatment or preventive measure.
islandguy11
You might have some luck looking for the chemical name for epsom salt, magnesium sulfate. I'm sure magnesium sulfate has been mentioned in this thread already but I didn't see it on this page so I thought it might be worth mentioning.I've ordered magnesium sulfate online from a place that also sells dry fertilizers for planted aquariums but chemical supply stores would be the first place to look for MgSO4 if you can't find epsom salt.
Also, some aquarium stores sell magnesium sulfate which can be used to harden the water (increase GH).
