Treatment for new plants, snails, shrimp?

[tamara]

Tank Size:
Age of the tank:
pH:
Ammonia:
NitrAtes:
nitrites:
GH/KH:
Temperature:
Fish in your tanks: yes
Fish:

Question/Problem:

We have several tanks, some newer than others. I think this is a general questions that would apply to any of them. You recommend quarantining and treating new fish by themselves before putting them in with the rest, yes?

What about introducing plants, snails, or shrimp? I believe they can also carry "bugs" of various sorts?

While this is a situation that we will have again and again from time to time, specifically right now we have a shrimp-snail-and-plant-only tank. We are planning to move some of the shrimp from this tank to a couple other tanks, one a community tank and the other will probably be a dwarf cory breeding tank. I read that inverts can carry parasite young that then go into the water and attack fish. Before we move the shrimp, our fish will have been through a lot of treatments and we hate to do any more than we have to.

Would it be advisable to do a round of praziquantel on the shrimp (I've mostly read it's safe for shrimp and effective against parasites) before moving them around, or is it unnecessary? Or is there a better approach?

BTW the shrimp have been in this tank without any fish for over a month. Is there a point at which any fish-attacking parasites the shrimp may be carrying would be dead because they can't find a fish host?

[tamara]

I may have put this thread in the wrong category. I was thinking of it as a problem during the setup period for the aquariums. However, if you want to move it to the fish diseases section or something feel free.

[Carl]

Tamara;
The lifespan of many parasites varies, so can remain viable for quite some time while simply waiting for a host to mature in.

Tetra/Jungle Parasite Guard contains Praziquantel as well as Metronidazole and Acriflavin.

My experience with Praziquantel & shrimp has been mixed, if anything pure Metronidazole has been 100% safe in use with most invertebrates kept as "pets" in both marine and freshwater aquarium.

Another product I would consider "safe" for use with Shrimp is Kordon's Herbal Ich Attack.

I would consider either of these over the use of Praziquantel or a at least a blended product such as the before mentioned "Tetra Parasite Guard"

Great question BTW

Carl

[tamara]

OK, just to be clear....

Would you generally recommend a treatment of Tetra/Jungle Parasite Guard as a preventative-of-choice on shrimp, snails, and perhaps plants as well before introducing the critters to a fish tank? With full dosage? Following the course recommended on the bottle or something different?

Re. Praziquantel, I have read in many places it is safe for shrimp, although I have also read in one place (sorry I don't know where anymore) it can cause a sharp rise in PH. And anecdotally one person said he tested it on 2 shrimp that both died. So I thought maybe the sudden PH change was the potential issue with Praziquantel for shrimp, and perhaps adding the medicine slowly over the course of a day might be prudent. However, it sounds like your information/experience is that these mixed products are safer for shrimp?

Since my intention is to breed some small fish (it was going to be sparkling gouramis, now it's changed to dwarf cories, that's what happens when we've got a 10 year old influencing the decision...) I really want to be clear of gill flukes, since I read they can be tolerated by adults and then can be devastating to the fry. And realistically, in our house, plants, fish nets, etc. will be passed from tank to tank, so I want to get them all in one go if possible.

[billg71]

Tamara,

I think what Carl's saying is to stay away from Praziquantel(i.e. the Tetra/Jungle product) and use either the pure metronidazole or the Kordon product.

At least that's how it reads to me. Maybe Carl will drop in later and clarify.

HTH,
Bill

[Carl]

Tamara, basically Bill summed it up.
While I have not performed a scientifically controlled experiment with Praziquantel & shrimp, I have seen problems with ghost shrimp "disappearing" with its use.

I would also state I do know of successes too with Praziquantel and shrimp as well as some snails, so I would not argue with others as to its safety, it is simply a product I would use with caution with shrimp or snails present.

Praziquantel (ie the Tetra/Jungle product) is a better treatment for Flukes than just Herbal Ich Attack or Metronidazole, so what it comes down to is you feel the risk of Flukes is high, I would give it a try. If not, stay with the less risky products.
I would also note that the Tetra/Jungle Parasite Guard is a slightly lower dose of Praziquantel in its blend and would be my suggestion over just Praziquantel,


Carl

[tamara]

OK, thanks!