emporer HLLE

[LauraCline]

I posted the following about Elvis in the disease forum but so far no responses, any thoughts?

I've got a 3-4" juvi emporer angel that I've had for about a month. A couple of days ago, I noticed he has several spots that look like the beginning of HLLE. Tank parameters are: Temp 80, ammonia 0, nitrites 0, nitrates 0, pH 8.2, salinity 1.023. I was using carbon 24/7 but discontinued use when I saw the spots. I do weekly 10-12% water changes with RO water and IO. The fish eats;

Angel Formula frozen
Formula One frozen
Formula Two frozen
Prime Reef frozen
Spirulina Formula frozen
Brine Shrimp Plus frozen
Special Formula VHP (Very High Protein) frozen
Marine Cuisine Carnivorous Formula frozen
Mysis Shrimp frozen
Red Sea MarineGro enriched medium granules (fish is nuts over it)
Seaweed Selects 100% Macroalgae
Nori

He does not care for garlic but, I will add a vitamin supplement and I was told to try some broccoli florets. There is no stray voltage, I stick my hands in there without turning things off occassionally. Is there anything else anyone can recommend to help me nip this in the bud. I want to get it reversed immediately so he won't be scarred up.

 

[o2zen]

Sorry I am new to this. Whats HLLE?

 

[LauraCline]

oh sorry, Marine Head and Lateral Line Erosion. It's common in Tangs and angels and it's where tissue recedes to form lesions on pores of the face and down the fish's lateral line. I've read quite a bit and there's no definative singular cause. It's not fatal unless a secondary bacterial infection sets in but, it can horribly disfigure a beautiful fish if allowed to advance. Here's some reading:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-06/sp/index.php

http://www.ecosystemaquarium.com/html/hlle.html

 

[Gimplar]

hrrm, i dont really have any suggestions, but maybe you need to take it out and QT it with some medications? i would possibly talk to john at FAOIS he seemingly knows an answer to everything now adays.

 

[ichthyman]

LauraCline,

As you have read, no single causative pathogen has been isolated for this “disease”. Unfortunately, treatments rely on eliminating possible initiating causes and hoping for the best. If you wish to be aggressive in hopes of a cure, I would immediately QT the fish, begin a regimen of Metronidazole and Nitrofurazone, plus add large amounts of Vitamin C to the diet. This treatment may or may not work but it does address the big 3 likely factors.




Gimpy,

he seemingly knows an answer to everything now adays

You owe me another meal!

 

[LauraCline]

Thanks for weighing in John, I'll keep everyone posted on the progress.

 

[triggerfish1976]

I have had a purple tang with HLLE for a few months. It was really bad when I first got it but it is slowly healing. Like John said there is no single cause that has been narrowed down but I soak almost everything I feed the tank in Selecon. I cannot say for sure if this why my HLLE problem is getting better but I am obviously doing something right.