marty m

2 Questions for the Oscar experts:

A) My Oscar at school developed hole-n-the head this summer. With water changes and medicine I got things under control. Spots have stopped spreading, disappeared down his sides, and he continues to eat like a horse. Seems to have been in remission for 3 weeks or so now. Question: Will the 'scars' on his head ever disappear or will they stay forever? Also, my so called 'fish expert' at our LFS told me this disease is fatal. I personally think he is full of bull. But, am I just hoping or is he correct?


B) My Oscar at home looks as if he is starting to get ick. I've done the 20% water change, increased the temp to 82, added some aquarium salt. Is it necessary to add 'Quick Cure' or some other medicine, or do you think what I am doing will suffice? I have a synodontis catfish living under rocks in the bottom of this 75 gal., and I am not sure how meds will affect him.

Thanks for all the help.

Shawnie

Hi marty...yes the scars will dissapear in time...unless it was very severe and deep..its not always fatal and you sound like your guy is on the mend....

as far as your ICH, the 83 temp is great for 2 weeks with water changes and vaccuum the subtrate for ich pores...and also to add more oxygen as warmer water has less...some bubble wands will help and oscars love bubbles....goodluck with your fishies!

sirdarksol

Sounds like you're doing good with both oscars.
Salt is unnecessary, in my opinion. If it were my tank, I would do a bigger water change (30% at least. 50% if you can) to help pull the salt out of the water. Though the salt will help the oscar fight the ich, it will also stress the cat (and, to some extent, will stress the oscar). Most catfish do not do well with salt.