Ichthyophthirius (freshwater) / Cryptocaryon (saltwater)
Looks like salt sprinkled on the fish’s body and fins. Usually accompanied by twitching, flashing, and other signs of stress and irritation. Several parasites are grouped under this name, but the symptoms are almost identical. Ich is among the most common infections of fish, and is entirely treatable with diligence and attention to water quality.
Suggested Treatment Period:
14 days in freshwater, up to 28 days in saltwater
Special Considerations
It is very important with this parasite to continue dosing for the full treatment period. A break in the medication allows the parasite to multiply and reinfect the fish.
Velvet
Piscinoodinium (freshwater) / Amyloodinium (saltwater)Similar to Ich, but smaller and grey-gold. Most often seen in saltwater, but can occur in freshwater as well. Velvet is less common than Ich, but the treatment is almost identical. We see it more often in saltwater than freshwater.
Suggested Treatment Period:
14-21 days
Special Considerations
Velvet is a photosynthetic parasite - it will help with treatment if you can turn off the lights while the fish are infected.
Fin Rot
Bacterial infection
Fins appear shredded, frayed, or decaying. Fin Rot is frequently mistaken for damage from fin-nipping fish. Contrary to the name, this is actually caused by bacteria, not fungus.
Suggested Treatment Period:
7 days or until infection clears
Special Considerations
Fin Rot is often found as a secondary infection (that’s an infection that started because the fish was already sick). Make sure to check for additional infections.
Gill and Body Flukes
Dactylogyrus trematodes (skin) / Monogenenean trematodes (gills)
Fish appear sluggish, flash against rocks, and often gasp and show other signs of stress. Flukes are difficult to diagnose because the parasite itself cannot be seen until the advanced stages of infection. Look for gasping, irritated or red gills, excessive mucus production, twitching and flashing, and translucent spots (advanced infections)
Suggested Treatment Period:
14 days or until infection clears
Special Considerations
Dip treatments with ParaGuard™ are helpful in treating and preventing flukes, but keep in mind that this parasite spends part of its life cycle living in your water and substrate - the entire tank needs to be treated in order to clear the infection.
Dosing
Remove all invertebrates from the tank as well as any chemical filtration. Use 5 mL (1 capful) of ParaGuard™ for every 40 L (10 US gallons). Repeat this dose daily as required as long as fish show no stress.
ParaGuard™ can also be used as a medicated dip. For 1 hour dips, use 3 mL per 4 L (1 US gallon) in a container separate from your main tank. Dips may be extended if the fish show no evidence of stress. Keep in mind that many diseases linger in the water as well as on the fish. Giving a fish a dip treatment does no good if they go right back into infected water.
Quarantine
This is a tank set up in order monitor and medicate new fish before they go into the main tank. ParaGuard™ is gentle enough to use prophylactically (without visible symptoms) if needed. Quarantine times vary, but we generally recommend 2 weeks of treatment with ParaGuard™ to clear out any possible external infections.
Sensitive Fish
Some fish are more sensitive to medications than others. Eels, loaches, rays, sharks, and many others are well known for their sensitivity to all kinds of medications. If you suspect that your fish may be sensitive to medications, it is just fine to start with a partial dose and build up to the full dose over several days.
Not recommended for reef aquaria. As an alternative, use Seachem’s MetroPlex™.
FAQ
Is ParaGuard™ safe for use in marine reef tanks with invertebrates and soft corals?
A: We do not sell or market ParaGuard™ as invert safe because it would be impossible to test it with every available invert under every potential water parameter. We have had people use it with invertebrates with no problems, but we have also had people encounter problems. If you decide to use it we stress caution; dose at 1/4 to 1/2 dose and observe how your inverts and soft corals react. If they seem to tolerate the dosing, increase slowly up to no more than the prescribed dose as long as they are tolerating it. If you need to get rid of the ParaGuard™quickly, just turn your skimmer back on.
Is there copper in ParaGuard?
A: No, there is no copper in ParaGuard
Is it safe to use ParaGuard™ in planted aquarium? Can my plants survive?
A: We do not sell or market ParaGuard™ as invert/plant safe because it would be impossible to test it with every available invert/plant under every potential water parameter. It has been my personal experience that it is generally safe to use in planted aquaria and would not hesitate to do so.
Do I need to remove Purigen® from my filter while medicating with ParaGuard™?
A: While the primary active ingredient in ParaGuard™ is unaffected by the presence of Purigen®, the malachite green does have potential to be removed by the media. Since the product is most effective when both of these components are present to perform synergistically, we do recommend that the Purigen® (as well as any other chemical filtration media) be removed while treating. If removal of waste is of primary concern in the treatment tank, then Purigen® may be left in place, but the medication will not be as effective.
Is ParaGuard™ safe for Loaches or scaleless fish?
A: You can use any of our medications with scaleless fish, but as they can be more sensitive, we would recommend that you begin with a 1/4 to 1/2 dose first and slowly build to the recommended dosage.