De-Worming for Plecos?

[celticfish]

To all the pleco gurus out there.

As above, do you:-

1) De-worm your plecos reguarly
2) De-worm as and when you need too (i.e. suspect disease etc...)
3) Have you heard of de-worming being done for plecos but not done so yourself.
4) What? De-worm pleco? Where got such thing?!? :D

Just curious as keepers of discus do de-worming regularly and wondered if anyone does it for plecos.

This question came up as I have some fish that have recently "recovered" from a disease.
Though they now look clear of the affliction and are vigorous they have sunken bellys.
Does anyone have an idea what I can do for them? :confused:

[Edmundo]

Personally i think it is good to do that............ but wat is the best way?

Recently was intriduce a cheap method........... no medicine required......... all u need is garlic juice........... i know seachem selling agrlic guard, n i think garlic sound good cos no wori of overdosage.

:)

[SoToNgMaN]

To all the pleco gurus out there.

As above, do you:-

1) De-worm your plecos reguarly
> Nope
2) De-worm as and when you need too (i.e. suspect disease etc...)
> Yes
3) Have you heard of de-worming being done for plecos but not done so yourself.
> Q1 & Q2 answers this question
4) What? De-worm pleco? Where got such thing?!? :D

Just curious as keepers of discus do de-worming regularly and wondered if anyone does it for plecos.

This question came up as I have some fish that have recently "recovered" from a disease.
Though they now look clear of the affliction and are vigorous they have sunken bellys.
Does anyone have an idea what I can do for them? :confused:
Reply as above in red

sunken belly may not be due to food intake ... but stress as well ...

chanced upon couple of adonis above 2 feet .. yet to see one thats without sunken tummy ...

[celticfish]

@ Edmundo,
Thanks for the headup on garlic guard.
I do have it but wonder how effective it is against worms.
From what I've read they are a good preventive measure. :confused:

@ Sotongman,
What medication and procedure do you do for de-worming?
Agree about the stress part.
Especially when they just recovered.
But its been some time now.
The food I put in gets eaten but the belly stays sunken hence my confusion on whats going on.

[chilicrabz]

i have saw hk people mentioning regularly about it. But not sure if it is a MUST to do, they really get their fishes deworm regularly. Using which brand, im not very sure, but it's definitely not some brands tat we can get over here. They even have to get them from TW.

Is it just a culture to deworm the fishes?????

[celticfish]

Thanks for the input on how they do it in TW.
I'm not too sure about cluture of de-worming but I reckon you will need to at some point in time.
Be it from live feed or frozen BW.
You never know whats going into their tummies.
I'm coming more from the angle of "as and when required".
Do you think you can ask to find out the medication or procedure they use?
I might be able to get them from TW.

As stated before, my fish just recovered and are eating now.
But the tummies still look sunken.
I had given them up for dead but they are still looking healthy and vigorous.
Which leads me to suspect they may have a worm infestation since the immunities went down from the recent infection.
Or, I could just be kan cheong on a speedy recovery for them... :p

[chilicrabz]

if u can read chinese on ur comp, i can sent u the link of their pleco forum. Need to really search high n low for it.

[SoToNgMaN]

@ Edmundo,
Thanks for the headup on garlic guard.
I do have it but wonder how effective it is against worms.
From what I've read they are a good preventive measure. :confused:

@ Sotongman,
What medication and procedure do you do for de-worming?
Agree about the stress part.
Especially when they just recovered.
But its been some time now.
The food I put in gets eaten but the belly stays sunken hence my confusion on whats going on.
In order of preference:
- Epsom salt to flush
- Sea Chem Garlic Guard .. straight grab fish upside down .. use syringe inject into mouth .. amount used is estimated ..
- Ocean Free 3rd Generation Internal .... powerful but effective ...

[lyh]

@ Edmundo,
Thanks for the headup on garlic guard.
I do have it but wonder how effective it is against worms.
From what I've read they are a good preventive measure. :confused:


Hi bro using garlic is a good preventive measure but should your plec be really down with intestinal parasite and you use garlic guard now, it will not rid the parasite and instead strengthen their immunity.

I'm not too sure of the strengths of garlic guard so no comments. Garlic will not work once the stinky smell dies off. I can tell you more on how to DIY tonight. It's a bit too long to put it here :D

In order of preference:
- Epsom salt to flush
- Sea Chem Garlic Guard .. straight grab fish upside down .. use syringe inject into mouth .. amount used is estimated ..
- Ocean Free 3rd Generation Internal .... powerful but effective ...

Bro you very hiong leh :eek: :D

[Edmundo]

In order of preference:
- Epsom salt to flush
- Sea Chem Garlic Guard .. straight grab fish upside down .. use syringe inject into mouth .. amount used is estimated ..
- Ocean Free 3rd Generation Internal .... powerful but effective ...

Hi bro using garlic is a good preventive measure but should your plec be really down with intestinal parasite and you use garlic guard now, it will not rid the parasite and instead strengthen their immunity.

I'm not too sure of the strengths of garlic guard so no comments. Garlic will not work once the stinky smell dies off. I can tell you more on how to DIY tonight. It's a bit too long to put it here :D



Bro you very hiong leh :eek: :D

yh, not hiong, was introduce to tat method aso........... but i dare not try on hypancistrus.......... but will gif my pseudas a treat soon..........

actualy can soak ur feed with garlic guard den dry it, n feed to our plecs, i think work as well......... but if ur plecs are chosy eater den can forget this method cos garlic is a form of spice n has a pungent smell. :)

[lyh]

yh, not hiong, was introduce to tat method aso........... but i dare not try on hypancistrus.......... but will gif my pseudas a treat soon..........

actualy can soak ur feed with garlic guard den dry it, n feed to our plecs, i think work as well......... but if ur plecs are chosy eater den can forget this method cos garlic is a form of spice n has a pungent smell. :)

Wah who is that fellow who introduced it? Let me know hor :D. Anyway with regards to the pungent smell, I'll say that my plecs like it more when the food I feed them has that smell. You can ask bro alanng. He has tried my method :D

[SoToNgMaN]

Wah who is that fellow who introduced it? Let me know hor :D. Anyway with regards to the pungent smell, I'll say that my plecs like it more when the food I feed them has that smell. You can ask bro alanng. He has tried my method :D
most straight to the ground method ...

but direct syringe using 3rd gen internal ... never try before ... only Evil merchant try before ..

[Edmundo]

Wah who is that fellow who introduced it? Let me know hor :D. Anyway with regards to the pungent smell, I'll say that my plecs like it more when the food I feed them has that smell. You can ask bro alanng. He has tried my method :D

so any effects after it? color of poos? any sgin of de-wormed?

[celticfish]

@ chilicrabz,
Yes, please.
You can post the link here too.

@ sotongman,
It would be interesting to hear you epsom salt flush technique and dosage.
Do you do it in the main tank with everyone in or remove afflicted fish to hospital tank for treatment?

@ lyh,
Look forward to hear your DIY method later.

@ edmundo,
I have done that for discus and yes they are choosy too.

[SoToNgMaN]

@ sotongman,
It would be interesting to hear you epsom salt flush technique and dosage.
Do you do it in the main tank with everyone in or remove afflicted fish to hospital tank for treatment?

Epsom salt has mild laxative effect ...

0.3% epsom salt diluted with tank water and dosed into fish tank ...

Everyone into the bath .. :D

[HeiYuEr]

how abt every 3mths of deworm??

i guess that will be good also.

i did use MQ4 and MQ5 for deworm my plecos before.

so far so good i guess :p

[Tuestar]

Epsom salt has mild laxative effect ...

0.3% epsom salt diluted with tank water and dosed into fish tank ...

Everyone into the bath .. :D

Espom bath or add into main tank :confused:

[SoToNgMaN]

Espom bath or add into main tank :confused:
straight into tank

[celticfish]

Good news is the afflicted fish I was telling you guys about seem to have a "fuller" tummy.
Its not as sunken as before anymore.
Just a case of "kan cheong" keeper! :D

Thanks for all the tips!
I do think its good to have knowledge of deworming these guys weather you do it regularly or need to basis.
I think we should continue this thread and maybe compile the information on methods and medications into a sticky.
What does the Mod think? Good idea?

[SoToNgMaN]

Good news is the afflicted fish I was telling you guys about seem to have a "fuller" tummy.
Its not as sunken as before anymore.
Just a case of "kan cheong" keeper! :D

Thanks for all the tips!
I do think its good to have knowledge of deworming these guys weather you do it regularly or need to basis.
I think we should continue this thread and maybe compile the information on methods and medications into a sticky.
What does the Mod think? Good idea?
Would be better to consolidate information into wiki ...

no concerns ... enter information here .. and I'll update into AF's wiki

[FireSpitter]

The other way to deworm is to use metronidazole (aka Flagyl). Problem with this med is that it's prescription animal drug unless some of us wanna share ordering a big bottle via an online source I used to use.

[FireSpitter]

The other way to deworm is to use metronidazole (aka Flagyl). Problem with this med is that it's prescription animal drug unless some of us wanna share ordering a big bottle via an online source I used to use.

One more thing about metronidazole use, it must be used concurrently with the water heated to 32 degrees celcius. 7 day treatment.

[SoToNgMaN]

verbal step by step for "syringe deworming/force feeding"

Things u need:
- Sea Chem Garlic Guard
- Needle-less syringe of reasonable size for pleco (can be acquired from pharmacy)
- Hikari Algae Pellets (if force feeding is required)

Things to note:
- Never force feed shall pleco be in absolute weak condition (use liquid only for such condition)
- recommend sequence of liquid, semi-solid then mushed injection (do not skip unless u r experienced)
> Liquid == pure sea chem garlic guard only
> semi-solid == sea chem garlic with small portions of algae wafer ... texture similar to soya bean (tau hueh) smashed and stirred
> mashed == texture similar to KFC whipped potato

Steps to take (How much to use is dependent on size of pleco. General guide, do not exceed size of mouth suction):
- Soak algae pellets into garlic guard (Skip step for non-force feeding)
- blend with more garlic guard to achieve soft texture suffice to push throw syringe
- load the blend into the syringe
- Hold pleco up with mouth facing u and tail facing six o'clock.
- slowly inject blend into mouth of pleco (too fast will cause internal bleeding)
- in event that pleco refuse to open their mouth, holding on to gill plates for a few seconds would cause them to gasp for air.
- slowly place pleco back into water.

* Repeat step on alternate days. Plecos thats struggling better/stronger on each consecutive day means that its working. Right down on 7th day u will see results.

P.S. When to use? --> Sunken tummy, refuse to consume food

Btw .. I'm not talking cock ... I've utilised above methods on my 2 xantos (sensitive fellas can survive such treatment, am sure others also can) .. and they have recovered from sunken tummy 2 days ago ... currently am executing it on my 14" Xingu which I suspect had consumed some rotten pellets ...

[Edmundo]

verbal step by step for "syringe deworming/force feeding"

Things u need:
- Sea Chem Garlic Guard
- Needle-less syringe of reasonable size for pleco (can be acquired from pharmacy)
- Hikari Algae Pellets (if force feeding is required)

Things to note:
- Never force feed shall pleco be in absolute weak condition (use liquid only for such condition)
- recommend sequence of liquid, semi-solid then mushed injection (do not skip unless u r experienced)
> Liquid == pure sea chem garlic guard only
> semi-solid == sea chem garlic with small portions of algae wafer ... texture similar to soya bean (tau hueh) smashed and stirred
> mashed == texture similar to KFC whipped potato

Steps to take (How much to use is dependent on size of pleco. General guide, do not exceed size of mouth suction):
- Soak algae pellets into garlic guard (Skip step for non-force feeding)
- blend with more garlic guard to achieve soft texture suffice to push throw syringe
- load the blend into the syringe
- Hold pleco up with mouth facing u and tail facing six o'clock.
- slowly inject blend into mouth of pleco (too fast will cause internal bleeding)
- in event that pleco refuse to open their mouth, holding on to gill plates for a few seconds would cause them to gasp for air.
- slowly place pleco back into water.

* Repeat step on alternate days. Plecos thats struggling better/stronger on each consecutive day means that its working. Right down on 7th day u will see results.

P.S. When to use? --> Sunken tummy, refuse to consume food

Btw .. I'm not talking cock ... I've utilised above methods on my 2 xantos (sensitive fellas can survive such treatment, am sure others also can) .. and they have recovered from sunken tummy 2 days ago ... currently am executing it on my 14" Xingu which I suspect had consumed some rotten pellets ...


Woont they wommit out the feed after release into tank? :)

[SoToNgMaN]

Woont they wommit out the feed after release into tank? :)
at point of injection ..... YES

at point back into water ... NO

Vital is to inject slowly till see slight over flow from mouth ....

The following scenarios aint gonna be good news
> blend/garlic guard flows out from gills portion (likely u didnt hold the pleco straight or tail down enough)
> buldge from stomach or even blood clots seen from skin of stomach (likely u've caused internal injury either by injecting too hard/fast or stomach tract is stucked.)

[Edmundo]

at point of injection ..... YES

at point back into water ... NO

Vital is to inject slowly till see slight over flow from mouth ....

The following scenarios aint gonna be good news
> blend/garlic guard flows out from gills portion (likely u didnt hold the pleco straight or tail down enough)
> buldge from stomach or even blood clots seen from skin of stomach (likely u've caused internal injury either by injecting too hard/fast or stomach tract is stucked.)

tonite go see which one i gonna try on........ray can?

[peckio]

tonite go see which one i gonna try on........ray can?

U wanna try on ray?
Better get a camera man to take down the action & ambulance to standby, in case u get stung :p

[lyh]

tonite go see which one i gonna try on........ray can?

Bro ray is use the chilli sauce bottle we see at those hawker centre western store kind. :D

[SoToNgMaN]

tonite go see which one i gonna try on........ray can?
Never try on ray before .. so cant comment leh ... but am sure garlic guard does not induce any issues/problems to motoro rays ...

should u be using those chilli sauce bottle method ... I believe your sea chem garlic guard will finish very fast ... considering only that much hit "target"

I would say garlic guard is a very effective internal first-aid thats mild or no after-effects

[desmondekker]

wow...this is really informative (tho i'm a little late). mr sotongman u are damn garang! :D

[desmondekker]

are medications such as MQ4/5 and OF 3rd generation friendly to the BB? or do i have to do it in a hospital tank?

[SoToNgMaN]

are medications such as MQ4/5 and OF 3rd generation friendly to the BB? or do i have to do it in a hospital tank?
3rd generation via this method is ok for filtration (BB) ...

cannot comment on MQ4/5 ... cos I've never used this method ..

btw ... other than direct injection ... another easier/safer method (more economical on smaller plecos) I've tried in these years is to submerge the pleco into a tub filled with concentrated 3rd gen or pure garlic guard straight from bottle.

Do it "dunkin" style like oreo cookies into milk ... at 10 second intervals with 2 seconds breather for around 3 minutes ... to be frank .. I dun really time my dunks ...

[lyh]

MQ4 and 5 are commonly used by discus keepers. I guess you might have better answer from them. I use to hear alot about these medications but never used them before

[Terence Chia]

Its actually called be-falgelate(cant recall whats the correct spelling) bcos it not really a worm. I perfer to use metronidazole. Its a prescription drug as antibiotics for human consumption.

MQ4 and 5 is a powerful medication it gets even stronger when combined with heater to 30degrees. I personally dont like to use Mq4 n 5 cos I feel that its too stressful for the fishes.

On the other hand, adding freshly peel grindered garlic into food will help to control the multiplication of falgelates. It cant total remove the falgelate but can keep its population in check.

[desmondekker]

3rd generation via this method is ok for filtration (BB) ...

cannot comment on MQ4/5 ... cos I've never used this method ..

btw ... other than direct injection ... another easier/safer method (more economical on smaller plecos) I've tried in these years is to submerge the pleco into a tub filled with concentrated 3rd gen or pure garlic guard straight from bottle.

Do it "dunkin" style like oreo cookies into milk ... at 10 second intervals with 2 seconds breather for around 3 minutes ... to be frank .. I dun really time my dunks ...

hi thanks for the info. concentrated as in directly from the bottle? no addition of water at all?

MQ4 and 5 are commonly used by discus keepers. I guess you might have better answer from them. I use to hear alot about these medications but never used them before

i tried on discus before, it's quite effective. thanks, i'll check with them. :)

[lyh]

Like bro Terrence mentioned, it is very effective at higher temp. Remember that the effectiveness of the medication doubles with the increase of every degree in water temp. Last time when I was keeping discus, the kakis always under dose a little when they want to increase the temp

[SoToNgMaN]

hi thanks for the info. concentrated as in directly from the bottle? no addition of water at all?

No additional water required

[desmondekker]

Like bro Terrence mentioned, it is very effective at higher temp. Remember that the effectiveness of the medication doubles with the increase of every degree in water temp. Last time when I was keeping discus, the kakis always under dose a little when they want to increase the temp

No additional water required

thanks both for the info. i learn a great deal :)

[johannes]

it would be good if anyone has experience with flagyl to state the dose to be used for our fishes.

metronidazole is indeed a good medication that also treat parasite like entamoeba that causes entamoebic dysentry in human.