PraziPro is reef safe, but it can kill tube worms/feather dusters and bristle worms or any other species that are part of the Polycladida order.
PraziPro can also cause cloudy water in some reef tanks since it contains Oxybispropanol ( a solubilizing agent) that can cause a bacterial imbalance in a reef tank.
If this is your first time dosing PraziPro in your reef tank you can learn more about PraziPro and why praziquantel is reef safe in the following article.
We’ll also go over how praziquantel works, and address some of the side effects PraziPro can have on the inhabitants of a reef aquarium.
Also if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to buy PraziPro we recommend buying it on Amazon (Buy Online) since it’s usually much cheaper than buying it at your local pet store.
Is PraziPro Safe for Corals?
Is PraziPro Reef Safe? PraziPro is safe for corals, and it can be used in most reef tanks as long you carefully follow the dosing instructions.
When you dose PraziPro in a reef tank make sure to calculate the actual amount of water in your aquarium. Take into account any live rock, sand, or anything else that might be displacing the water
PraziPro shouldn’t be used with sulfur or sulfinite-based water conditioners. These types of water conditioners can cause PraziPro to be less effective, and they can negatively impact a reef tanks dissolved oxygen levels.
If you have a heavily stocked tank it’s also a good idea to increase the amount of aeration in your aquarium when using PraziPro to help protect your fish and corals.
Will PraziPro kill shrimp?
Is praziquantel safe for shrimp? Praziquantel is shrimp and snail safe, and it won’t kill hermit crabs or urchins. Praziquantel will kill worms that are part of the Polycladida order. This group of animals includes flatworms, tube worms, bristle worms, and feather dusters.
In some cases, copepods might die off when a tank is dosed with PraziPro. While the exact reason for this is unknown it might have to do with a reduction of the dissolved oxygen levels in the water.
Copepod die off might also be related to the Oxybispropanol found in PraziPro which can cause bacterial blooms that can cause problems for certain copepod species.
The best way to avoid harming any of the invertebrates in your tank is to closely follow the dosing instructions printed on the PraziPro label.
Praziquantel Side Effects
Praziquantel can cause mild side effects in some fish, and it can bother certain species that require higher dissolved oxygen levels. Fish like wrasses are especially sensitive to praziquantel overdosing.
Mild appetite suppression is also a frequent praziquantel side effect that can occur in most fish which usually only lasts for 24 to 72 hours.
Oxygen depletion can cause fish to become lethargic and less active than normal. In some cases, corals might respond by retracting their polyps, and they might show signs of stress due to low oxygen levels.
What does PraziPro cure?
PraziPro treats parasites like flukes, tapeworms, flatworms, and turbellarians. When PraziPro is added to an aquarium it will quickly kill external parasites in 24 to 72 hours.
Some people also use PraziPro to treat intestinal worms by soaking fish food in PraziPro, but this is not advised since PraziPro contains Oxybispropanol which can damage a fish’s intestinal membrane.
If you need to treat intestinal worms it’s a good idea to use a powdered medication like API General Cure (Buy Online) or Thomas Labs Fish Tapes (Buy Online) since they are a pure source of praziquantel, and they don’t contain any solubilizing agents.
PraziPro Dosage
1 Tablespoon per 20 Gallons
Do a large water change before dosing PraziPro, and treat your water with a sulfur-free water conditioner like ULTIMATE ClorAm-X (Buy Online).
Also make sure to remove any activated carbon, and stop your protein skimmer and UV sterilizer since these will render PraziPro ineffective.
Vigorously shake the bottle of PraziPro to thoroughly mix up the settled praziquantel. Then you can add 1 tablespoon of PraziPro per 20 gallons of net water that needs to be treated.
How Does Praziquantel Work
Praziquantel works by inducing severe spasms and it will paralyze a flatworms muscles. This is accomplished by causing a rapid calcium influx inside the worm’s cellular membrane. Changes in a worm’s overall structure and morphology are also another one of the toxic effects of praziquantel.
Once the worms die they will either completely breakdown and dissolve into their surroundings. They might also fall off the fish, or they can be passed out intact in their stool.
Praziquantel is relatively ineffective against juvenile flukes and worms. It is usually effective against their larval stage, but effectiveness decreases when the worms are 3 to 4 weeks old. Then the effectiveness of praziquantel increases slowly until it’s fully effective again when the flukes or worms reach 6-7 weeks old.
How Long Does PraziPro Stay in the Water?
PraziPro will remain effective in water for 5 to 7 days. After that period it’s advised that you do a 50% to 75% water change. If you plan on treating the tank again you should wait 4 days before re-dosing. Then after 4 days do a 25% to 50% water change and re-dose again as needed every 5 to 7 days.
Activated carbon can also be used to remove PraziPro from the water in a reef tank. The activated carbon will chemically bind with the praziquantel and any other medications in the water. This method will ensure that 100% of the praziquantel is removed from the tank, unlike water changes which will still leave some Praziquantel in the water column.
READ MORE: Best RO DI System for a Reef Tank
What color is PraziPro?
PraziPro is usually clear but it can have a pinkish or even slightly yellow color. Hikari has stated that it’s normal for some batches to have a pinkish hue, while others can have a yellow/clear color. They are all equally effective and the only difference is a small change in the manufacturing process.
However, clumps in the liquid can be a sign that the bottle of PraziPro has been frozen, which means the active ingredients have been rendered ineffective. If you notice any clumps it’s best to dispose of the affected PraziPro and get a fresh bottle.
Praziquantel for Fish
Hikari USA PraziPro for Aquarium, 16-Ounce
Hikari PraziPro (Buy Online) is a highly effective way to treat flukes, tapeworms, flatworms, and turbellarians. This 16-Ounce bottle of PraziPro will treat up to 1,920 gallons.
Everything Aquatic Anti-Parasite Duo Flake
Everything Aquatic Anti-Parasite Duo Flake (Buy Online) is a medicated food that contains metronidazole and praziquantel. It comes in packages that range from 1 to 8-ounces, and the manufacturer also makes this blend of medication available in pellets.
This medicated food is great for treating internal worms and parasites, and it’s also useful to feed to quarantined fish as a prophylactic. It will also help save some time since you won’t have to wait to soak your fish food in medication.
API Powder General Cure 20 pack
API Powder General Cure 20 pack (Buy Online) is a powdered form of metronidazole and praziquantel fish medicine. This 20 pack of API General Cure will treat up to 200 gallons, and it is reef safe and it won’t discolor an aquarium’s water.
API General Cure can also be used to soak food to treat intestinal parasites. It can also be used in a quarantine tank to ensure that any new fish or corals are free of parasites before you add then to your display tank.
Thomas Labs Fish Tapes (Buy Online) are pure praziquantel tablets. Each capsule contains 34mg of praziquantel and each bottle contains 30 capsules.
One capsule will treat 4-gallons of water which means each bottle of Thomas Labs Fish Tapes will treat up to 120 gallons. You can also use the powder inside the capsules to make medicated food to treat intestinal worms.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3615395
https://web.stanford.edu/group/parasites/ParaSites2005/Praziquantel/Praziquantel.htm
![Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Oscar fish are voracious eaters that can grow to be up to 14 inches long. They need a lot of space and a big tank, but they also need good filtration. This is because Oscars produce a large amount of waste for their size, which can quickly pollute the water if not managed properly. Read on to see the best filter for an Oscar fish tank. [toc] Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank ***TABLE**** Best Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 The Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 Filter (Buy Online) has everything you need to keep water clean and healthy for your fish, plus some cool extra features too. It comes with four different filtration stages that remove debris from the water so your tank stays clear and safe for your fish to live in. Plus, it has a built-in heater which keeps the temperature of your tank consistent so you don't have to worry about fluctuations or sudden changes affecting your fish. The OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 600 is a reliable and high-quality filter that will keep your water crystal clear. It has four stages of filtration, including a pre-filter module for particle removal, two main filters to clean detritus from the water before it reaches the pump area, an activated carbon stage with 45 ppi pores to trap organic chemicals and reduce odors, and finally a polishing cartridge which traps any particles left after the other three stages have removed most of the large debris. Plus, it comes with Hel-X Biomedia that has an extremely large surface area for beneficial bacteria colonies that break down nitrogenous waste. Overall, this filter can be used on 70 to 160 gallon tanks, and if you want peace of mind about how well your tank is being filtered and heated – this canister filter is perfect for an Oscar tank. Eheim Pro 4+ 600 Filter The Eheim Pro 4+ 600 Filter (Buy Online) is the best filter for an oscar fish tank because it’s easy to use and maintain while providing a high level of filtration. It has a self-priming pump that makes starting up very simple, plus its safety hose adapter means you won’t have to worry about any accidents with this unit. We recommend going with their Pro 4+ model which has been designed specifically for tanks containing Oscars and other larger species of fish. This filter comes with everything you need including extra media baskets, spray bars, adjustable flow control valves, and more. Polar Aurora 4-Stage External Canister Filter 525GPH with 9-watt UV Light The Polar Aurora External Canister Filter (Buy Online) is an affordable yet high-quality canister filter and it has four stages of filtration (biological, mechanical, chemical and UV) that keep your fish tank crystal clear without taking up much space. If you have an Oscar Fish Tank, then you know that they are messy fish. They produce a lot of waste and your tank needs to be cleaned frequently. That's where this filter comes in handy. It can handle tanks up to 200 gallons and has a maximum flow rate of 525GPH from the built in pump. This is more than enough power for even the messiest Oscar Tanks. This unit also comes with three different media trays so you can use any type of filtration media you want - bio balls, sponges or ceramic rings. And not only does this filter provide excellent water filtration, it comes with a built in 9 Watt UV Light that allows it to easily control algae spores/bacteria and maintain clear water in your aquarium at all times. Fluval FX4 High Performance Canister Filter, External Aquarium Filter The Fluval FX4 (Buy Online) is an external filter designed specifically for aquariums housing oscars and other large tropical fish species like cichlids and catfish. There's also three different filtration stages included in this setup which will ensure that all the waste produced by your fish gets filtered out quickly leaving behind crystal clear water every time. The Fluval FX4 is the best aquarium filter on the market because it has a patented self-priming pump that moves 700 US Gal of water per hour. It also comes with all of the media you need to get started filtering your tank immediately after installation - no extra purchases necessary. This external aquarium filter is easy to install, maintain, and clean. With its multi-stage filtration process this canister filter removes harmful toxins from your water while providing superior mechanical filtration through three stages of bio-filtration using BioMax cartridges, activated carbon pads and biological ceramic rings . This powerful filter pumps out 700 US Gal (2650 L) of water per hour so it's perfect for even the largest freshwater or saltwater tanks up to 250 US Gal (900 L) Best Hang On Back Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank AquaClear Fish Tank Filter, Aquarium Filter for 60- to 110-Gallon Aquariums The AquaClear 110 (Buy Online) is a hang-on back filter that has an adjustable flow rate, and it'll last you for years. AquaClear filters make it easy, convenient, and affordable to keep your tank clean without all of the complexity and hassle of a canister filter. The AquaClear 110 filter has been designed with the hobbyist in mind; and it provides superior mechanical, chemical as well as biological filtration media at an unbeatable price point. It's ideal for aquariums up to 110 gallons (416 liters) in size and it has a flow rate of 500 U.S. gallons per hour (1,900 L/h). SeaChem – Large Aquarium Fish Tank Filter, Tidal 110 Gallon The SeaChem Tidal 110 Gallon Aquarium Filter (Buy Online) is one of the few hang on back filters specifically designed for Oscars and other larger tropical fish tanks (up to 110 gallons). This means that it has more than twice the capacity of other hang on back filters so there's no need to clean out debris as often. It also has an adjustable flow control valve - just set the dial where you want it and let the self-priming pump do its job. You can also use any kind of filtration media without worrying about clogging since the patented impeller design keeps everything running smoothly Best Sponge Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Bacto-Surge Hikari Aquarium Solutions Foam Filter, 125 Gallons Bacto-Surge Foam Filters (Buy Online) are made from a durable foam material which allows them to last much longer than traditional sponge filters. They also don't require any electricity or have any moving parts, so you can use these as a cheap and reliable way to supplement the filtration in your Oscar tank. Best Under Gravel Filter for an Oscar Fish Tank Lee's 125/135 Premium Undergravel Filter, 18-Inch by 72-Inch Lee's 125/135 Premium Undergravel Filter (Buy Online) is the best you can get for an Oscar fish tank. It has a multi-level plate design made of high-quality plastic, so it lasts longer than standard models. And this under gravel filter can also be used to build an anoxic filter to lower nitrates, which improves overall water quality and it will also help keep your fish healthy and disease free. Best Filter Media for an Oscar Fish Tank Premium Authentic Pinky Filter Floss for Fish Tanks Premium Authentic Pinky Filter Floss for Fish Tanks (Buy Online) provides two layers of filtration to keep your tank cleaner & running more efficiently than ever before. It's made in the USA from high-quality materials that are safe for both fish and humans alike. It also reduces maintenance time because it lasts 2x as long as other brands on the market today. AQUANEAT Aquarium Filter Sponge Open Cell Foam Sheet Bio Sponge Filter Media Pad Aquaneat's Black Fine Filter Sponge (Buy Online) is made with natural materials that are non-toxic and safe for fish & plants. It provides mechanical filtration by trapping dirt particles in the pores of the sponge material so they do not get through into your aquarium water where they could cause harm to your aquatic pets. The open cell structure of the Aquaneat Sponge means you can simply rinse it under running water when needed instead of having to replace expensive filters every few weeks. And we've tested these pads with many different types of tanks and they are one of the most durable and economical ways to keep the water in a fish tank free of debris. Seachem Matrix, 4 L / 1 gal. Seachem Matrix (Buy Online) removes ammonia, nitrite and nitrate from the water column in freshwater tanks through a process called denitrification. It does this by providing an environment where beneficial bacteria thrive and convert harmful toxins into less harmful forms (even anoxic bacteria that break down nitrates). This process reduces stress on aquarium inhabitants by reducing their exposure to these toxins while also maintaining pristine water quality in your aquarium Eheim AEH2507051 Mech Filter Media for Aquarium, 1-Liter Eheim Ceramic Cylinders (Buy Online) are reusable so you don't have to waste money on disposable filter cartridges or sponges every time you clean your tank. Simply rinse them out in decholorinated water when they get clogged, and you can reuse them indefinitely. Oscar Fish Tank Size A 70 gallon tank will work for an Oscar, but it's better to keep them in a 100+ gallon tank. The bigger the better. More space promotes greater health while also keeping them happier which in turn reduces the risk of stress and disease. Oscar Fish Water Parameters Oscar Fish Water pH Level Oscars prefer water with a pH between 6 and 8, but they prefer slightly acidic water and they can live in water that has a pH as low as 5.5 quite comfortably. Oscar Fish Nitrite Level The nitrite level in your tank should be at 0 ppm once your tank has cycled. Nevertheless, a weekly 10% water change with fresh water from the tap is always good early on in the cycle to reduce nitrites. Oscar Fish Nitrate Level To keep your Oscar healthy you want to keep your nitrate levels between 10-40 ppm. It's important that you test the water with a Nitrate Test Kit (Buy Online) to ensure the nitrate levels in your tank aren't reaching dangerous levels. If the nitrates in your tank stay consistently over 40ppm, it’s time to clean or replace old filters, clean out uneaten food, vacuum the gravel, and do at least a 25% water change. Oscar Fish Water Temperature The ideal water temperature for Oscars is 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (23 - 27 Celcius). It's important to remember that Oscar Fish are from the Amazon Rainforest and they need a heater in their tank especially during the winter time If you want to know what size heater you need for your tank you can use our Fish Tank Heater Calculator (Click Here) Oscar Fish Water Change Water changes are an essential part of fish keeping for any type of fish. This is especially true when you have larger fish like oscars that produce more waste. Water changes, or partial water changes, should be done every 1-2 weeks depending on how many fish you keep in your tank Why Is My Oscar Fish Tank Cloudy Fish tank water can become cloudy for a few reasons. The most usual is that the aquarium is either experiencing a bacteria bloom or there is algae in the water column. If this is the case, you’ll need to do a 50%-75% water change immediately. You can also use an inline UV filter if water changes and regular tank maintenance aren't getting control of your cloudy water problem. How To Keep an Oscar Fish Tank Clean Water Changes Vacuum the Gravel Bed Cleaning the Filter Removing uneaten food from tank Check for any algae growth on plants or glass walls of aquarium and clean as needed Test the water regularly Do Oscar Fish Need a Filter Yes, Oscar fish need a filter because they are messy eaters that produce a lot of waste. The filter helps with this issue and also improves the water quality by converting harmful ammonia into less toxic nitrates.](https://thepetsupplyguy.com/wp-content/uploads/Best-Filter-for-Oscar-Fish-Tank-464x290.jpg)
