For the treatment of aquarium fish (freshwater and marine species) from parasitic infections caused by unicellular, there are several modern drugs. One of the most effective medicines is the German air conditioner Sera Kostapur. Instructions for use provided by the manufacturer are rather concise, some explanations will not be superfluous. The drug is produced by the German company SERA.
The composition of the drug
The tool is an aqueous solution of a composition of formaldehyde and malachite green. These are substances quite common in veterinary pharmaceuticals, having a second hazard class. Content in 100 ml:
1. Active ingredients:
- A solution of formaldehyde 5.89 mg (corresponding to 2.06 g of formaldehyde).
- Malachite green oxalate 0.18 g
2. Excipients:
- Purified water, to supplement up to 100 ml.
Description: dark green odorless liquid.
Malachite green oxalate is a highly toxic drug. In its pure form, it is dangerous not only unicellular, but also to fish. For the prevention and treatment of fungal, parasitic and bacterial infections of aquatic organisms, the drug is used in minimal quantities. Its use is justified by the fact that it is one of the most effective antiparasitic drugs.
A formaldehyde solution is an effective disinfectant, a cauterizing and astringent. The drug is capable of folding protein in high concentration; it is known for its embalming properties. A weak solution of the substance obtained by diluting the entire volume of the aquarium acts only on the affected areas of the fish body. Ectoparasites such a concentration dilutes completely.
The Sera Kostapur conditioner is issued in bottles of 50 ml, 100 ml, 500 ml.
Indications for use
The tool is intended for the treatment of aquarium fish from parasitic infections.
Unicellular organisms are constantly present in the aquarium. In fresh water, the ciliary infusoria Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is most often found, in sea water - Cryptocaryon irritans. On the body of weakened individuals, they multiply in huge numbers and deplete fish, leading them to death. The disease is scientifically called ichthyophthyroidism, and in the jargon of aquarists it is called “semolina,” since the tuberous rashes of unicellular cells look like small white grains.
The drug Sera Costapur effectively fights against the parasites Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (ichthyothyrios), Cryptocaryon (cryptocaryon), as well as Costia (costia), Chilodonella (chylodonella), Trichodina (trichodina), Ichthyobodo necator (brochiobodiobella).
the solution is also used to treat mycoses (fungal infections). This is mainly a concomitant disease.
Mode of application
Before introducing Sera Costapur into the water, it is necessary to replace at least a quarter of the water and thoroughly clean the aquarium - cleaning the soil and all mechanical filters. Partial water changes will reduce the concentration of impurities. In addition, it will kill the entire number of pathogens in the aquarium.
According to the instructions, Kostapur is added in a dosage of one milliliter for every forty liters of water. The drug is added every other day. As practice shows, one or two episodes of treatment are enough.
In cases of severe damage, the procedures continue up to seven days, that is, the medicine is used only four times, with an interval of one day.
From a package of 50 ml, the drug can be measured dropwise: in 1 ml, exactly 22 drops. Packages of 100 ml and 500 ml have a large outlet. For an accurate dosage it will be more convenient to use a syringe.
As indicated in the instructions, Kostapur "must be thoroughly shaken before use, because the active substances can be unevenly distributed in the contents of the vial.
The manufacturer recommends dimming the aquarium during treatment. Why not neglect this advice? In the light, the aquatic environment in the aquarium becomes more acidic, so the destruction of methylene green slows down, that is, the effect of the drug is prolonged.
It is more convenient to make "Sera Kostapur" at night. But you should not specifically wait for it to get dark. If the disease is detected, treatment is started immediately. In the daytime, you should turn off the lighting and close the walls of the aquarium with something outside.
Another important recommendation indicated in the instructions: "Kostapur" should be made at elevated water temperatures and increased aeration. The fact is that the action of the active substances that make up the drug is aimed at parasites in a free-floating state. Their cysts are resistant to absolutely all manipulations and substances compatible with the vital activity of fish.
If the water temperature rises to 28 ° C, this speeds up the life cycle and provokes the early hatching of parasites. In this case, the oxygen content in the water decreases. Sick fish get harder to breathe. Active aeration will help support the inhabitants of the aquarium.
A reasonable requirement is to remove carbon filters and turn off ultraviolet lamps, so as not to destroy the medicine and not filter it out of the water immediately after application.
All kinds of treatment procedures are recommended no earlier than two days after the last injection of the drug. Water changes are repeated, chemical filters and UV lamps are used.
Contraindications
Kostapur is not used in the treatment of productive animals (those that will be eaten).
This aquarium water conditioner is contraindicated in cartilaginous species (Chondrichthyes) and invertebrates. Plants also poorly tolerate it. It is best to treat sick individuals in a separate quarantine aquarium.
Storage conditions
Keep this fairly toxic drug out of the reach of children and pets. Storage conditions:
- Temperature range: from 15 ° C to 25 ° C.
- Although the bottle is made of dark plastic, it is best not to leave it in the light. It is advisable to store it in a factory carton box along with instructions.
- You can not use "Costapur" with an expired shelf life.
- Do not use medications for fish from other manufacturers at the same time as Kostapur. There is a wide range of compatible sera products.
Prevention of parasitic and fungal infections
Prevention of the disease is easier than treating fish, so do not forget about preventive measures. First of all, it is a quarantine camp for all new acquisitions, not only fish, but also plants.
It is important to improve the quality of life of aquatic organisms, maintaining a clean and proper nitrogen cycle in the aquarium, choosing high-quality feeds, increasing the immunity of fish with multivitamin preparations, for example, Sulfur Fishtamin.