PARAGUARD™ 2L

PARAGUARD™ 2L

ParaGuard™ eliminates ectoparasites and fungal, bacterial, and viral lesions.
Safer to dose than formaldehyde, formalin, and methanol. Does not affect the bio-filter.

Overview

ParaGuard™ is the only aldehyde-based antiparasitic product (10% by weight) that is safe for fish and filters (for parasites on fish). Unlike highly toxic and difficult-to-use formalin-based medications, ParaGuard™ contains no formaldehyde or methanol and does not alter pH. ParaGuard™ uses a proprietary and synergistic blend of aldehydes, malachite green, and fish-protective polymers that effectively and efficiently eradicates many ectoparasites (e.g., ich, etc.) and external fungal/bacterial/viral lesions (e.g., fin rot). It is particularly useful in hospital and quarantine tanks for new fish and whenever new fish are introduced into a community tank.

The directions

ParaGuard™ is suitable for treating a variety of parasitic infections in exotic fish. Here are some of the most common infections that can be treated with ParaGuard™. Be aware that many diseases and infections share similar physical and behavioral symptoms, such as clamped fins, lesions, and loss of appetite.

see photos above for identification: in the order of the photos: ICH, Velvet, Fin Rot, Fluke

Ich (white spot):

Ichthyophthirius (freshwater) / Cryptocaryon (saltwater)
It looks like salt sprinkled on the body and fins of the fish. Usually accompanied by contractions, flickering, and other signs of stress and irritation. Several parasites are grouped under this name, but the symptoms are almost identical. Ich is one of the most common infections in fish and can be completely treated with diligence and attention to water quality.

Suggested processing period:
14 days in fresh water, up to 28 days in salt water

Special considerations:
It is very important with this parasite to continue dosing throughout the entire treatment period. Interrupting the medication allows the parasite to multiply and reinfect the fish.

Velvet

Piscinoodinium (freshwater) / Amyloodinium (saltwater)
Similar to Ich, but smaller and gray-gold. Most often seen in saltwater, but can also occur in freshwater. Velvet is less common than Ich, but the treatment is almost identical. We see it more often in saltwater than in freshwater.

Suggested processing period:
14-21 days

Special considerations:
Velvet is a photosynthetic parasite - it will help with the treatment if you can turn off the lights while the fish are infected.

Fin rot

Bacterial infection
The fins appear tattered, frayed, or decaying. Fin rot is often mistaken for damage caused by nipping fish. Contrary to its name, it is actually caused by bacteria and not by fungi.

Suggested treatment period:
7 days or until the infection disappears

Special Considerations
Fin rot is often found as a secondary infection (it is an infection that started because the fish was already sick). Make sure to check for additional infections.

Branchial slits

Dactylogyrus trematodes (skin) / monogenean trematodes (gills)
The fish appear slow, flash against the rocks, and often gasp and show other signs of stress. Flukes are difficult to diagnose because the parasite itself can only be seen in the advanced stages of infection. Look for gasping, irritated, or red gills, excessive mucus production, twitching and flashing, and translucent spots (advanced infections).

Suggested processing period:
14 days or until the infection disappears

Special Considerations
Dipping treatments with ParaGuard™ are useful for treating and preventing flukes, but keep in mind that this parasite spends part of its life cycle living in your water and substrate - the entire tank must be treated in order to eliminate the infection.

Instructions

Dosage:

Remove all invertebrates from the tank as well as any chemical filtration. Use 5 ml (1 capful) of ParaGuard™ for every 40 L (10 US gallons). Repeat this dose daily as needed as long as the fish do not show any signs of stress.

ParaGuard™ can also be used as a medicated dip. For one-hour dips, use 3 ml per 4 L (1 US gallon) in a container separate from your main tank. The dips can be extended if the fish show no signs of stress. Keep in mind that many diseases persist in the water as well as on the fish. Dipping a fish is pointless if it goes directly back into the infected water.

Quarantine:

This is a tank set up to monitor and treat new fish before they enter the main tank. ParaGuard™ is gentle enough to be used prophylactically (without visible symptoms) if necessary. Quarantine times vary, but we generally recommend 2 weeks of treatment with ParaGuard™ to eliminate any possible external infections.

Sensitive fish

Some fish are more sensitive to medications than others. Eels, loaches, rays, sharks, and many others are well known for their sensitivity to all kinds of medications. If you think your fish may be sensitive to medications, it is quite alright to start with a partial dose and gradually increase to the full dose over several days.

Not recommended for reef aquariums. As an alternative, use MetroPlex™ fromSeachem .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ParaGuard™ be safely used in marine reef aquariums with invertebrates and soft corals?
R: We neither sell nor market ParaGuard™ as invert safe because it would be impossible to test it with all inverters available under every potential water parameter. Some people have used it with invertebrates without any issues, but we have also encountered problems. If you decide to use it, we insist on caution; dose 1/4 to 1/2 dose and observe how your inverts and soft corals react. If they seem to tolerate the dosage, slowly increase up to no more than the prescribed dose as long as they tolerate it. If you need to quickly remove ParaGuard™, simply turn your skimmer back on.

Is there copper in ParaGuard?
R: No, there is no copper in ParaGuard.

Is it safe to use ParaGuard™ in a planted aquarium? Will my plants survive?
R: We do not sell or market ParaGuard™ as being safe for invertebrates or plants because it would be impossible to test it with every invertebrate/plant setup under every potential water parameter. From my personal experience, it is generally safe to use in planted aquariums, and I would not hesitate to do so.

Should I remove Purigen® from my filter during treatment with ParaGuard™?
R: Although the main active ingredient in ParaGuard™ is not affected by the presence of Purigen®, malachite green has the potential to be removed by the media. Since the product is more effective when both components are present to work synergistically, we recommend that Purigen® (as well as any other chemical filtration media) be removed during treatment. If waste removal is the primary concern in the treatment tank, then Purigen® can be left in place, but the medication will not be as effective.

Is ParaGuard™ safe for loaches or scaleless fish?
A: You can use any of our medications with scaleless fish, but since they can be more sensitive, we recommend starting with a dose of 1/4 to 1/2 and slowly increasing to the recommended dose.

Security

ATTENTION! Do not eat, drink, or make contact with eyes! In case of eye exposure, quickly and thoroughly rinse eyes with water and consult a doctor. For aquarium use only. Keep away from children. For ornamental fish only. Not intended for human consumption. Do not use with animals intended for human consumption.