How Can I Get Rid Of These Parasites?

[MrNiceGuy]

For about a year now my fish have been occasionally scratching themselves. Nearly every fish in the tank seems to be affected by it so i'm assuming its some type of parasite. Despite this, there have been no deaths from this problem. I'd like to treat it but there are a few restricting factors.

1. I can't use salt because i have corys in the tank and they're sensitive to it.

2. I can't raise the temp because I have white mountain cloud minnows and they require sub-tropical temps (i think)

3. I can't use chemical medications because the tank is heavily planted and some of the plants are somewhat fragile.


Does anyone have any ideas?

 

[Curiosity101]

If you think it might be a parasite then I'd definitely consider giving sterazin a go. I've never had a problem with it with my plants and it cleared up a gill fluke outbreak that I had a month or so ago.

 

[myrtle]

I'm using Sterazin at the moment and my plants are all fine. I can't see how it would affect them tbh. I have bolbitis,java fern, echinodurus tenellus, hyrocotyle, mosses and crypts. Admittedly ot the most fagile of plants, but nevermind. The only thing with Sterazin is it will kill shrimp, as will all meds for flukes or external parasites. It wasn't easy in a heavily planted tank but I caught as many shrimp as I could and put them in a separate tank.

 

[MrNiceGuy]

thanks guys, i was unaware of this medication. i do have a few shrimp in the tank but i guess i'll just try to get them out before medicating.

 

[fishy16]

Hi just like to say im in the same process of treating for gill flukes (flicking, red gills) and im using sterazin and my shrimp are fine. Ive done 2 courses as well.

 

[Gilli]

Assuming all your water stats are good just a thought - what is your nitrate level? A high nitrate level can cause irritations and flicking.