I hate to say this but: hypothesis tested - CARBON

[jmccown]

Hypothesis : Carbon does not affect HLLE in marine fish

Test: I have been treating a purple tang for the last 3 months that had a bad case of HLLE, in a tank that did not run carbon. Until 2 weeks ago I had it all cured but a very small patch that had not regrown. I began using carbon again to clarify a yellowish tint in my water. No other variables have changed. Regular water changes, same feeding patterns, etc. The HLLE on the PT has worsened to the point it has gone to his tail. I know you guys are going to say it is a vitamin deficiency, but - fact is that I soak their food in vitamins every day - Zoe and Selcon. I also feed alge sheets on a DAILY basis.

So...

Results - Carbon in a marine tank can worsen/cause HLLE.


These are my findings, feel free to disagree. This is what I have found in my situation.

 

[firefish2020]

I agree with you 100% I thought that whole carbon thing sounded kinda out there. Has the yellow gone down? The primary cause for HLLE is deficiency yes, but there can be other factors such as cyanide catching which unfortunately is still practiced by some countries.

 

[jmccown]

Oh yes, my tank is crystal clear now. Carbon fixed that problem, but the tang has slid downhill. I wish I had taken pictures of the PT before and after the carbon. Huge difference. I'm going to continue running the carbon and see what happens. He can't get any worse. He's the only one with HLLE. Strange.

 

[jmccown]

sorry, double post

 

[jmccown]

3 months later my purple tang is about 80% healed up from HLLE after discontinuing the use of carbon.

 

[firefish2020]

Could be a strange coincidence, you just never know. Either way glad to hear he's OK :thumbsup:

 

[jmccown]

Oh he's always been healthy as a horse. Just imperfect.