UVF and Paraguard

[drdrewr]

I am medicating my 265 gal with Paraguard. I have been using ultraviollet filtration on this tank for years, but, I just have the suspicion that some of my fish have "internal" parasites that the UVF does not address. Thus, I'll blast them out of existence via Paraguard. Question: Should I stop / turn off the UVF while doing the Paraguard treatment, or, can / should I continue UVF while dosing with Paraguard?

[Tech Support HK]

Hi drdrewr,

Yes, we do recommend turning of UV anytime a medication, such as ParaGuard, is introduced. Although the UV does not make ParaGuard harmful, the UV will most likely destroy the active ingredients, rendering ParaGuard less effective in eradicating the parasite.

[drdrewr]

Great. Thanks for clarifying that for me!!! I was actually getting ready to replace my UVF bulbs -- which would have been the exact opposite of your recommendation. I will follow your recommendation and thank you for the timely reply!!! Seachem support is in a class by itself!!!

[Tech Support HK]

You are very welcome!

ParaGuard really is not the medication we go to when fish are infected with internal parasites. Metronidazole is much more effective, especially when used in a medicated food mix with Focus and GarlicGuard. You will not need as much medication when dosed to food, and the medication is even more effective when ingested.

[drdrewr]

Thanks for the additional info. Although a bit disheartening, it is still much appreciated. I purposely chose Paraguard for this mission as it appeared to be the "catch-all" medication in your product suite. I'm not sure if my fish have internal parasites or not and this is really a "if they have something, Paraguard should take care of it" kind of approach.

I could switch to the Metranidazole, as per your guidance, but again, I'm not sure what I am facing (i.e. I don't have any true specifics as to what is wrong). As I am already well underway with Paraguard, I think I'll finish the 21-day dosing period and then reassess. If I still have any doubts as to whether or not my fish are dealing with anything, I'll consider treating with metronidazole.

At 265 gal, I've just gone too far to stop the treatment and start over with a different medication. You guys are still the experts and I trust your guidance tremendously, but, I already made the investment ($$$) for 21 days of Paraguard and just don't want to buy more meds. Medicating 265 gal is just too expensive (which is why I rely so heavily on the UVF).

Also, my fish seem to be responding excellently to the Paraguard and I'm very confident that my objective will be realized in full.

Thanks, again, so much for all of your excellent guidance!!!

[Tech Support MS]

While ParaGuard is great for treating unidentified external issues, its internal effects are limited. With that said, if your fish are responding well, definitely continue your treatment. It sounds as if ParaGuard is working on whatever was bothering them to begin with.

One of the great advantages to using Metronidazole in a food mix is that you do not have to treat the entire tank. This would be a great option for you if you have problems down the road that indicate internal parasites or other internal issues. KanaPlex is another good antibiotic that can be used in this way. I always keep both on hand, along with Focus and GarlicGuard, just in case something pops up.

[drdrewr]

What is the "shelf life" for metronidazole and focus?

[Tech Support HK]

Our powdered medications, including Focus and Metronidazole, do have expiration dates. This date should be printed on the bottom of the bottle.

[jorgea]

I'd like to know how your fish are doing in respect to UVF and potential parasites.

[Tech Support EH]

Thanks for the post, jorgea!