Hole in the Head

First topic message reminder :

I have a breeding pair of Jack Dempseys. The male is easily pushing 11''.

when I got him, he was being housed in a 100 gallon stock tank that was a turtle tank. He was in there for 2-3 months.

He now has what seems to be HITH.

I have NEVER had to deal with this, so I don't really know what to do.. I was reading that it's a parasite, but then I read that it's a nutrient deficiency of Thiamine.. or something like that, and that they can get it from eating Rosey Reds.

Roseys are the ONLY thing that I can get this guy to eat! Have I been killing him by allowing him to eat feeders?

If I don't feed him for a few days, and make him really hungry, do you think he would eat regular cichlid food? Like Sinking Pellets, or would floating be better?

What all can I try to feed him?

And what do I do to get his HITH to go away?

HELP!

just my two cents but metronidazole or however you spell it works good on HITH. I'm no expert but was under the impression that every fish carries some form or disease in one way shape or form. It when the fish become stressed or introduced to new fish with something they have not built an immunity to that causes them to become sick. or lowers there immunity and the diseases that have laid dormant in them are allowed to take over since the fish cannot fight them off anymore. Nutrient defficiency is also a possible cause. You should really be feeding a balanced diet to all of your fish to make sure they are getting the proper nutrition. Again im no expert, but metro has worked in the past. Also, you can mix it into his food if he is still eating. may want to add some non iodized salt to the tank. Check on that, i'm not that familiar with JDs.

Dont know if it help at the moment but theres some good recipes in this link (thanks again Jojo) http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/food_recipes.php I use the european shrimp mix with a seaweed soak with vitamins & garlic for help with keeping parasites away & keeping em good & healthy. My SA's & my Africans love it. Like you guys said, I am no expert but it seems to be good stuff. Hope it works out...

You've got lots of good suggestions! Time to put them to work. Let us know how it goes!