Prazi-Pro or GC for intestinal problems

jasonrusso · Nov 7, 2019

My porcupine puffer has been acting weird for a few weeks now. I noticed that his breathing was a bit labored, but he has been eating fine and acting normally. He has a few spots in his fins (yes I meant "in," because they haven't changed for weeks if not longer), but they stay constistant so I am not thinking velvet or crypt. Also, all the other fish in the tank (tang, angel, angler, foxface) show no signs of spots or any behavioral problems.

Recently, I noticed that his belly is a bit sunken in. He doesn't have the same "blimp" look that I am used to. This is why I am thinking something internal. 2 days ago, he barely ate (he couldn't resist his cockle, but turned down squid and crab which is unheard of). And now that I think if it, in the last week or so, he has been eating but not with the same gusto (spitting water at me) as usual. Yesterday he did eat 2 cockles, small octopus hood, and 2 shrimp, but not with the same fierceness.

I want to treat him for internal parasites/worms. I have GC and Prazipro. I also have a full arsenal of API medications (I can't remember what I have exactly, but I think I have all of them). I think that GC would be easier to bind and it has Metro in it, but I read that sometimes metro kills good intestinal bacteria as well. I don't want to cause more harm than good.

LAReefer4Life · Nov 7, 2019

Feed GC + Focus to address internal parasites/worms. Prazipro is my effective against flukes as it has high % of praziquantel but should be treated directly to the water column.

LAReefer4Life · Nov 7, 2019

I also recommend conducting a FWD to see if flukes are present. It will provide relief and help you identify what you're dealing with.

Crabs McJones · Nov 7, 2019

pathot984 said:
Feed GC + Focus to address internal parasites/worms. Prazipro is my effective against flukes as it has high % of praziquantel but should be treated directly to the water column.

This %110

jasonrusso · Nov 7, 2019

pathot984 said:
I also recommend conducting a FWD to see if flukes are present. It will provide relief and help you identify what you're dealing with.

I'll do this I if I Have to, but it isn't that easy with a 8-9" puffer. I'll treat with the GC first.

Is there any risk with harming good intestinal bacteria?

Wick · Nov 7, 2019

Thought Prazipro treated for internal parasites as well??

LAReefer4Life · Nov 7, 2019

Wick said:
Thought Prazipro treated for internal parasites as well??

Yes. Prazipro is a reef safe (except for feather dusters, bristle worms, etc.) and is dosed through the water column. This is the great option when you treat the display tank. Prazipro is the most effective of the two against flukes as the medication produces 2.5 concentration vs 2.0 in GC. GC is also not reef safe as it contains metro, so if you're ONLY treating for INTERNAL parasites, GC + focus is the best route.

jasonrusso · Nov 7, 2019

I just tested the water fof iodine. I know that puffers need a bit higher iodine and it tested very low. Could these symptoms be caused by an iodine deficiency?