Hexamita Treatment

Method for 7-10 day treatment for flowerhorn infected with Hexamita

 

1. Provide a hospital tank about 10gals. The primary purpose is for the ease of water changes to be perform daily and to save dosages for the expensive medication.
2. Add simple filtration like sponge filter or aeration via air stone. Heavy filtration isn't  necessary since no feeding will be done thus reducing biological load and ammonia level is expected to be low.
3. Set the thermometer at 32C. The effectiveness of the metronidazole can be maximize at a higher temperature.
4. You need to add half cup of aquarium salt. In the Philippines, most hobbyist use rock salt (without iodine) as an alternative to aquarium salt.
5. Dissolve 500mg of metronidazole usually sold as flagyl forte in warm water (not boiling water). You can buy this on pharmacy as over the counter medicine so no need for prescription. If you think Flagyl is too expensive then ask for the generic drug. It is suppose to do the same effect unless the it is fake.
6. Perform a 50% water change every day, and dose it with metronidazole after every water change. Replinish about 1/4 cup of salt daily. With salt,  it helps to increase the osmotic pressure in the water allowing the absorption of the metronidazole through the gills of the fish. It also helps to sooths the natural slime coat of the fish. 
7. In the first 5 days of treatment, no food must be given. You can give it One pellet on the sixth day, if it eats its a good sign but Do Not Stop the treatment. Not yet. Only give a little amount of food up to the 10th day.
8. On the 11th day do a 50% water change. Slowly reduce the temperature to 28C or whatever temp you like to keep you fish. This marks the end of the treatment.
9. Once you are satisfied with the overall health of the fish, you can move it back to its main tank.

Where to buy?

- Metronidazole, usually sold as Flagyl. This drug can be bought over the counter (OTC) at any drugstore. Each 500 mg.
tablet would cost around P16-P18.

- Sera Aquatan is available in your nearest pet shop