Tell me this isn't what I think it is..

[xraymatt]

This is a first for me, so I'm drowning myself in research about HLLE. I assume it's what this is. It seems like this popped up fairly quick. The past month has been pretty hot out here in the desert and the tank temp spiked a few times to 85 degrees. I'm sure that caused some stress in my Emperor.
From my research, I discovered that HLLE is not fatal and in some cases can he slowed down or reversed.
This evening I did a 40 gallon water change and hooked up my new chiller. Hopefully that will slow the progression of this.
I figured I'd turn to my friends here for advice (encouragement). Thanks.

 

[OGFrenchHorn]

check for stray voltage in the tank too. Thats what got my desjardini

 

[Factorybacking_05]

Looks to be HLLE. Had the problem with my blue tang. Are you running carbon?

 

[xraymatt]

Looks to be HLLE. Had the problem with my blue tang. Are you running carbon?

I ran carbon for about two weeks during the warm period to clear up the water. I've read articles about carbon and HLLE, so that could be a contributor. What I can't understand is that I've used carbon for YEARS and never had a fish develop HLLE.
Maybe the heat, carbon and the need for a water change all together did it.

 

[ieGlenn_2316]

i didnt know hlle affected angels. i thought it only affected tangs and such. i've read alot of stuff with certain types of carbon causing it,... good luck brother

 

[Tropical Reef Fish Store]

over my 26 yr's of keeping saltwater fish i had fish with ''HLLE'' in tank's with and without carbon.
i had fish that never got it in tank's that had carbon running 24-7.
i read the same article as every one that said carbon lead's to ''HLLE'' but im not sold.
keep a eye on him and very his diet as much as possible.
99% of the time it is not fatal it just give's him some character.
keep yr head up bro.
he looks nice fat and happy.

 

[rayray]

looks like hole in the head disease to me

sorry, but IME tangs and angels have always been the most succeptible.

looks mild, his lateral line looks normal and he is a fatso.

I agree: check for current, stop carbon for a couple months (just in case), keep water quality pristine, maintain stable temp/salinity/oxygenation, remove new stressors, vary diet, add vitamins and "angel food", etc. He'll probably make it, but will have battle scars permanently.

 

[xraymatt]

Thanks you guys. His personality sure hasn't changed at all and he's not one to shy away during feeding time! He even eats right out of my hand! I'll keep a close eye on him and hopefully his battle scars don't get any worse.
BTW, I hooked up the chiller last night (Arctica 1/10HP) and the tank temp read 84 (yikes!) and this morning it was down to 78 degrees.

 

[xraymatt]

Bought a voltage meter from Lowes and got nothing registering from the tank. Tank temp has stabilized and small water change done. Now I wait.