Help Treating Flukes

[kilroy217]

I posted this thread yesterday:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2557460

which has led me to believe that my fish in QT may have flukes. I've been doing some reading on flukes treatment, and I'd like to try a 10 minute dip in freshwater to see if that helps eradicate the problem. I've also ordered some Prazipro to dose once it arrives. I have a few questions as this will be my first time trying a freshwater dip:

1. Do the flukes live in the water column at all? In other words, once I've dipped the fish into the freshwater, can I put them back into the same QT, or will they just get the flukes again?
2. If the answer to the above question is no I cannot put them in the same QT, then, where do I put the fish after the dip?
3. Also, if the answer is no, can I just do a 100% water change in the QT, or do I need to sterilize the tank somehow?
4. If so, how do you recommend that I do that in a quick and efficient manner?

thanks for the help,
Matt

 

[Buddy55]

Well there could be eggs in the qt that will hatch. Some parasites are free swimming for a short time (<24hrs) but die without a host. The freshwater dip needs to be done very cautiously if you have never done them. A dip then transfer to a new parameter matched tank may help or solve. But prazi will treat if you stick with the program and treat more than once to account for eggs. Dose wrasse in increments of the full dose slowely and aerate heavy after dosing.

 

[kilroy217]

thanks for the reply - so is it safe to wait for the prazi to arrive in the mail in a few days? Or do I risk losing the fish if I wait that long?

 

[scooter31707]

If you do the freshwater dip, you need to add some PH Buffer to get the PH the same, along with matching the temp. Freshwater dips will temporary help but will not rid flukes. It may help and relieve some stress for the fish until the Prazi-Pro gets there. Is the fish still eating, once the fish stops eating it may be too late. Prazi-Pro is known to suppress the appetite of fish. If you have the items on-hand for a freshwater dip, I would do not everyday until Prazi-Pro comes in. Good Luck!

 

[kilroy217]

Yes, I have kalkwasser to adjust pH and alkalinity. I have a small unused heater that I can match temperatures with. The fish is eating vigorously right now, and other than the photo that i shared above appears to be in great health, so I'm a little concerned that I may screw this up and either make things worse or accidentally kill the fish. I just checked the status of the shipment of the prazi, and it is anticipated to arrive at my house on Friday. I appreciate all the help! thank you!

 

[Dmorty217]

Freshwater dipping won't solve your problem. Prazi of some sort or para guard or CP will kill the flukes

 

[kilroy217]

Oh, I understand - have prazi on order and shipping to my house on Friday. Just wanted to try the dip to relieve the stress between now and then. Think it's not worth it?

 

[kilroy217]

decided against the freshwater dip for now. Prazi will show up in tomorrow's mail, and in the meantime the fish is eating vigorously and otherwise looks healthy. Will just wait and start dosing tomorrow with prazi. thanks all for the advice!

 

[Spar]

prazi starts working almost instantly, so they will get some nice relief upon dosing it in the tank.

 

[triggreef]

Be sure to do a second treatment of prazi in 5 days. Some even say to do 3.

 

[kilroy217]

ok, thanks. i'll definitely do that.

 

[kilroy217]

The PraziPro finally arrived in today's mail, so I set up the dose. I did a 25% water change, took the carbon out of my HOB filter, and cranked the air to full blast out of the air stone. Added the PraziPro and let it stir into the tank. Am I forgetting anything? I'll see how things go in the next few days, and will dose again in another 3-5 days. Thanks again for all the help with this.

 

[Spar]

Best to let it go the full 5 days at least. Don't dose too close together or the eggs may not have hatched.

You have everything right, good luck!

 

[kilroy217]

After 24 hours, it seems that the wrasse is in worse shape that before I added the Prazi. It is hiding, breathing heavy, and not eating. the other fish in the QT with it are all seemingly the same as they were before - swimming about the whole tank, eating like mad, etc. Is there anything I should do other than just wait it out?

thanks for the advice!

 

[kilroy217]

after day two, the wrasse seems a ton better. noticed the white stringy poops on the bottom glass, and it is back to swimming around the entire QT and eating well. hoping that the prazi did the trick and I've got a nice healthy fish when I'm done with this.

 

[kilroy217]

five days into treatment now. I did another 25% water change, and then added the second dose of the Prazi. All other systems the same - no carbon, air going max through the air stone, etc. After the next five days are up, is there anything special that I need to do? Another 25% water change, and just observe? Thanks again for the help!