Medicated wonder shell for velvet

[whisp]

Hey,

I'm new to this forum but not fishkeeping. I'm treating some velvet in my 150g new world cichlid aquarium and I'd like to treat it with medicated wonder shells but I've never used them. I ordered 3 large shells that should be here within a few days. My questions are:


1) I have a sump, should I put the shells in there?(I know it said not filters)

2) Should I use all three shells?

3) I have a columbian spotted pleco and an armored birchir in the tank in addition to the cichlids, will the medications harm them?

4) How long should I use the shell?




Thanks in advance!!


Jacob

[Carl]

Welcome to Everything Aquatic!!

For a 150 gallon aquarium would require 3 large Medicated Wonder Shells for best results.

The sump does not the MWS do not need to be added here, but the sump should count as per water volume calculations.

Also for best results, the carbon or any other chemical filter material should be removed (such as Purigen).

Medicated Wonder Shells are generally safe for all fish, as these are buffered and not a strong treatment (when compared to some others)

Carl

[Suzie Q (Lori)]

Be sure lights out for 30 days. Velvet is a nasty little creature and takes a full month ((or at least in my area)) to get rid of. I've only had it in my Betta though. I keep a 75g African "community" tank (soon to upgrade to a 150g), Bristle nosed calico pleco, Peacock Gudgeons, and Red Cherry Shrimp too.

[whisp]

Ya, it's technically a 125 with a 40 breeder as a sump, so I did a bit of guesstimation for ease of questioning.

In addition to lights out for a month, should I do anything else? I didn't want to add salt because of My pleco, but I've heard there are tolerable levels...

[devonjohnsgard]

Welcome, welcome, welcome!!!

All great treatment advice here...I'm just going to add. Wonder Shells are a tank life style. As in, aquariums need these minerals always and a supply of three medicated wonder shells is a temporary band aid to a real issue. Once you get the treatment under control, I'd consider a on hand supply of regularly shells for best long term health of your fish. Keeps their immunity boosted. Also UVC at level 1 sterilization is very handy in improving tank long term condition.

[mmfed01]

I'll echo the UVC. Prior to such, I had reoccurring outbreaks that took 5 goldfish when all was said and done. I gutted the tank (65G), bleached it, added new substrate and a TMC Vecton. Today, things are good. I'm not saying I won't have issues in the future, but with the UVC I've got a better chance. I'm glad you bought the medicated shells. I keep the regular and medicated on hand. I hope all turns out well with your tank...and welcome to the forum..

Mike

[whisp]

Thanks for all of the response guys!

I have an in line UV sterilizer from an old FOWLR system that I've been running on it to keep it from spreading. 


But, more importantly I just got my 3 medicated shells in the mail and I did a big ole water change and siphon and then added them to 3 separate spots in the tank that receive the least flow. The first thing I noticed is my tank is GREEN now.... that's suppose to happen I assume, since all three shells were putting out the (what I assume is malachite green or methylene blue).


My question is, what now? I saw I'm suppose to only do small 10% water changes over the time that the shells are in there, but I suppose I feel a bit helpless not having anything else to do...




Thank for all the help!

[mmfed01]

If I'm remembering correctly, you don't want to dilute the treated aquarium water by more than 10%...because you'll lower the effectiveness of the medicated wonder shell.

Don't be put off by the green tint...it's normal

Mike

[Carl]

May 5, 2016 16:10:38 GMT -5 mmfed01 said:

If I'm remembering correctly, you don't want to dilute the treated aquarium water by more than 10%...because you'll lower the effectiveness of the medicated wonder shell.

Don't be put off by the green tint...it's normal

Mike

Yes, if your are using the MWS for a disease, your need it at full strength, as while your water color might seem like there are a lot of meds in the MWS, the MWS is actually not a strong treatment. It works well not because of strong med levels but by the synergistic blend along with the buffering ability of the Wonder Shell itself.

As a preventative, water changes during use is not as a much a problem.

BTW, the Green you are likely mostly observing is the Acriflavin, as there is more of this than malachite green or methylene blue

Carl