Flame angel with HLLE?

[kjbrat]

Has anyone had experience treating HLLE? I think my flame angel may have the beginnings of it on its face! I am fairly sure it hasn't been eating well, as I added a large number of hermit crabs a few weeks ago to combat an algae bloom, and I think they have stripped the live rock of what the angel normally picked on in addition to its normal food (Formula One flakes and the dark green cubes from Formula 2 frozen foods, chopped).

The algae issue has been resolved since I got the crabs, fed less, and switched to only RO water (i know, i know...).

I am sure it is not stray voltage in the tank and my water params are:
NH3 = 0, N02- = 0, NO3- = <10 ppm, temp = 82, pH = 8.3, so I think water quality is ok. If it isn't water quality I know it could be a protozoan also, Hexamita sp.

Any suggestions on how to supplement his diet? I was thinking of getting some Selcon tomorrow. He won't eat nori...I have tried. Thanks in advance!

 

[Grins]

Do you have a photo of the flame?

 

[kjbrat]

No, he is way too quick...hence his name - Hotwheels. Hah. Anyway, its just faint discoloration/paleness around his forehead and eyes. Not white spots, but his orange just isn't as bright there. I am paranoid and don't want to to lose him, so I may be making a big deal out of nothing.

I really do need to improve his diet...I'm hoping that helps. Going to LFS tomorrow to stock up...

 

[buzzbombtom]

ignorance checking in here what is HLLE?

 

[Grins]

head and lateral line erosion is the full name I believe. It is when there is pitting in those areas and is typically considered to be caused by a nutritional deficiency.

 

[buzzbombtom]

same as hole in the head?

 

[Grins]

Yes, but HLLE is a more accurate name for it.

 

[buzzbombtom]

i see. that makes more sense to me now. i thought that HLLE was from poor water quality?

 

[clown-lover]

Acutually I've read that there are several theories but no definative answer for this problem. Current theories are stray electrical current in the aquarium, poor water quality, nutrition issues etc.

Here is quite a good article on HLLE

http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/headlledisease/a/aa040901.htm

 

[Grins]

I've read that as well, but it seems more of the experts are leaning towards nutrition these days. With the lack of funding for research on the topic though it might be a long time before any real conclusion is made huh?