Description

Dewormer

AquariumSmiths Dewormer is an anthelmintic (anti-worm) medication that is safe to use in aquaria and effective against many internal parasites, especially nematodes, when used in appropriate dosages.

It does not harm the bio-filter, plants, invertebrates or uninfected fish. As an added benefit, it boosts the immune competence of fish.

The product comes in two sizes: 30 ml treats 1500 litres and RRP is R260; 100 ml treats 5000 litres and RRP is R550. Always keep the bottle away from direct sunlight.

The active ingredient is absorbed through the gut, can also be absorbed through the skin and is distributed throughout the body. It affects the neurotransmitters and paralyzes the worm (spastic paralysis). The fish then passes the inactive worms. Good gravel vacuuming is advised after treatment to remove the paralyzed (but still live) worms.  It is not ovicidal, which means it will not affect eggs already present, but it will affect the larval stage of the worm. To ensure complete eradication of the parasite treat again after remaining eggs have hatched.

Absorption is systemic within 3 – 4 hours. Within three days 70% of the medication will be gone from the fish via its excretory system. The vast majority of the compound will have been metabolized by your fish. The remainder can be removed by water changes and/or by adding activated charcoal to your filtration system.

Nematodes (roundworms) in particular are well-controlled by this treatment. Nematodes such as Capillaria, Eustronggylides, Camallanus, and Contracaecum are common among many fish species.

Hobbyists have been using it for years now and there are few reports of negative effects on fish. At higher dosages than recommended, there have been some reports of cloudy water at initial treatment and very few reports of rapid respiration or stress-related behaviour in fish. May be harmful to ornamental snails (Rabbit snails, Mystery snails, Nerite snails): temporarily remove them during treatment.

Below is the treatment protocol I have used for treating parasites with AquariumSmiths Dewormer.

1. Determine the appropriate dosage for your tank.
   Fish dosage:
   – 1 ml / 20 drops per 50 litres
   Shrimp dosage:
   – 1 ml / 20 drops per 100 litres.
2. Treat with the lights off for 24 hours.
3. Do a 30% water change and vacuum to remove the paralyzed worms in the substrate.
4. Treat again in 4 days.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 after 2 weeks.
6. Repeat treatment after 2 months or when buying new fish.

Watch our review with the Professor on YouTube