Best way to treat internal parasite?

[Gui101do]

I have an electric blue jack dempsey that I believe is suffering from an internal parasite.

He has been denying food that he would normally eat, like flakes and sinking or floating pellets. He would consume bloodworms, but would eventually make gagging motions before regurgitating it.

His waste is also somewhat clear/white and stringy, which I've read is a possible sign of a parasite. None of his tankmates are showing any issues.

I do not have a quarantine tank and I fear that if I waited a few weeks for a QT to cycle, it would be too late for the jack.

My lfs suggested 'Tank Buddies' which will treat external as well as internal parasites. If I treat the tank with this, will it actually work? What about the other fish, will the medication adversely affect them?

What should I do?

[Gui101do]

Well, I went to a local petsmart since my lfs is too far away and is closed. I was told to use Mela-Fix. I had something that specifically treats internal/external parasites, but was told Mela-Fix is the best product for this issue.

The bottle says nothing about parasites, it says it treats fin rot, open sores or wounds & funguses and body slime. The directions say to remove the carbon filter and doze the tank for a week then do a pwc.

Anybody have experience or other suggestions??

[jsoong]

For internal parasites, you want something IN the fish, not just in the water. that would mean medicated foods.

Praziquental is the best one to use in goldies, and I believe that it is a good drug for other fish as well. Jungle's anti-parasite food is what I use. It has Prazi, metronidazole & levamasole. A good combo that covers most worms & unicellular parasites.

[Gui101do]

Thanks for the suggestions.

So is the MelaFix treatment completely worthless? I did the first dose and removed the carbon filter as the directions suggested.

I read a little bit about the anti-parasite food, but how do I get a sick fish that will not swallow food to eat medical food? Plus, his tank mates would probably get to it as well?

I appreciate the assistance.

[ChileRelleno]

Originally Posted by jsoong

For internal parasites, you want something IN the fish, not just in the water. that would mean medicated foods.

Praziquental is the best one to use in goldies, and I believe that it is a good drug for other fish as well. Jungle's anti-parasite food is what I use. It has Prazi, metronidazole & levamasole. A good combo that covers most worms & unicellular parasites.

Jungle's is really good stuff, IF, they'll eat... A really good combination of anti-parasitic drugs.

If not, dose'em with Prazipro... It works even if they're not eating.
.................................................. ..........

Mela/Pimafix, not suggested for curing internal parasitic infestations.

[Gui101do]

Originally Posted by ChileRelleno

Jungle's is really good stuff, IF, they'll eat... A really good combination of anti-parasitic drugs.

If not, dose'em with Prazipro... It works even if they're not eating.
.................................................. ..........

Mela/Pimafix, not suggested for curing internal parasitic infestations.

Ok, thanks. Quick question about Jungle's and Prazipro: Is it safe to put this in the tank with the other fish that are not ill? I'm just worried I'm going to be bombarding the tank with different chemicals.

[ChileRelleno]

If one fish is infected with parasites, it is best to consider all the fish are too.

Yes, treat entire tank.

One chemical (medication) at a time, unless using a all natural remedy.
E.g. Mela/Pimafix can be combined with a actual med, as can Kordon's line of natural remedies.

[Gui101do]

Thanks for some advice, I truly appreciate it. I'll make sure to update on the jack's status in this thread as well as my log thread in the main FW forum. Right now the jack's just sitting on the bow of the ship, not moving much...

I'd hate to lose it, such a great looking fish.

[Gui101do]

Well, I purchased Jungle's internal parasite guard with praziquantel. I did the first dose on the tank and will add the second dose in 2 day, as the instructions say.

Unfortunately, the electric blue is gone. I had been checking on him all evening and he eventually settled on his side with no movement from his gills.

I'll still finish the dosage of Jungle's in case his internal parasite spread. A week ago I thought he was just being a picky eater. I've barely had this tank a couple months and I've already had to return 2 fish and I've killed one off. Why did I even invest in this hobby in the first place?