callamanus (sp?) worms

[silentskream]

one of the oscars has the little red intestinal worms sticking out of his poo area.

would it be more effective to remove him from the tank and treat him?
or to treat the whole tank?
what are the chances the other fish have it.. even if i haven't seen them yet?

what is the best way to approach this...?
its a 250 gallon tank,
tank inhabitants are: the affected oscar, another oscar, a jack dempsey, 3 archers, 4 rainbow sharks, and a common pleco.

I have a 10 gallon i could set up as a QT if it would be a good idea.

 

[Lupin]

Treat the whole tank using levamisole hydrochloride which is pretty safe. Camallanus may have already infested other fish.
http://www.loaches.com/Members/shari2/levamisole-hydrochloride-1

 

[Dangerdoll]

yep, I would treat the whole tank too.... there is a big chance the others have it if you can see them extending out of one.

 

[silentskream]

well crap.. that's kinda what i was afraid of.

do you think the other fish (particularly the rainbow sharks and the pleco) can handle the levamisole hydrochloride? aren't they considered "scaleless"?

 

[Dangerdoll]

gah! I know the pleco is... not sure about the shark but would assume he is too.... I am not sure about the Lev.... darn... wish I was....

 

[silentskream]

ugh
i dont know what to do 8(

 

[chucke]

Yeah its like lice in a One room School house

 

[silentskream]

according to the article that lupin posted, levamisole HCL does not have any adverse affects for plants, fish, or invertibrates.. so i'm going to assume it's safe for the pleco.

still, i'll probably add it gradually.. and keep an eye on things.

 

[Lupin]

Levamisole is pretty safe. This is what loach enthusiasts like me used to treat new loaches for chronic skinny disease. Plecos are also going to be fine.

 

[silentskream]

wonderful. thank you so much, i'll go to the farmer supply store in the morning and get started!