Loaches Online Forum

Hi there

I have a clown loach which I believe has skinny disease. I have discovered through reading through related threads that I need to treat him with Levamisole, however, I have looked in four pet and fish shops and each time I mention it they look at me like I have made it up!

Please help me. I need to know where I can find this so I can help my poor fish (we have named him Marvin - as in Starvin.. you get the idea!). I live in Lincolnshire, UK.

A brand name or anything would be helpful as then I can ask one of the stores I have been to to order it in for me.

Many thanks
Sophie

In the UK you will usually have to go to a vet clinic. Sometimes you have to be registered with that vet, sometimes you don't. Its best just to get out the good old phone book and ring around and explain what you need it for.

At home in Ireland I just had to explain what I needed it for and I was able to purchase it over the counter at a vet clinic I don't even use, in Wales were Im at uni, I have to be registered with the vet to be sold it (luckily I am with the cats!).

Its usually sold as a wormer for cattle/sheep, and costs around £11.50 for either 250ml or 500ml (I can't remember of the top of my head, but its plenty!)


Ashleigh

Thanks Ashleigh! One more thing - How do I find out how much to dose him with or will my vet be able to explain that to me? He is in 75 gal tank or I can transfer him to a 20 gal if it is going to work out too expensive in the big one. Sorry to sound such a beginner - I have only kept fish for 18 months and I really want to get it right.

Thanks again,
Sophie

Have a look at the following threads. Theres a dose info at the bottom of the thread-much eaiser than typing it all out, plus it explains it all better; how to dose, how often, how much etc

http://www.loaches.com/Members/shari2/l ... chloride-1

chefkeith built this dose calculator-very useful

http://www.geocities.com/chefkeithallen/Levamisole.html

I usually just treat my main tank (112g), and I can dose many a time with that one bottle-it lasts for quite a while.


Hope this explains everything



Ashleigh

Brilliant - thankyou so much, I really appreciate it. I will get onto the vet 2moro and hopefully Marvin will be feeling better soon.

Sophie

Hope he makes a speedy improvement
Just make sure, when you ring the vets and if they start coming up with excuses just make the point of what you need it for and that you know what your doing. Some can be a little unsure and feed you excuses until you break it down into 'simple terms' for them-well thats what I have found with the majority Ive rung, once they know you once, it will be no problem next time

Ashleigh

I have used Levimasole before but have had equally impressive results from using Flubenol, it is mainly used to treat discus and koi but works well on loaches as well.

You can get more info here http://www.aquarist-classifieds.co.uk/p ... _62110.php

I can attest to that too. Flubendazole (Flubenol) is a great treatment, and is slightly more easy to get hold of over here.

Emma

I was reading from the link mad duff posted and it said that if there was the slightest hint of ammonia or nitrite in the tank it can kill all the fish? I'm pretty sure my tank is fine but it is a worry - how true do you know this to be?

Am I best to stick to the other option you have suggested?

Coincidently, I have to take my cat to the vet tomorrow and was planning on asking about the levasimole but if there is a risk involved I might not take that route.

Many thanks
Sophie[/quote]

I have used the flubenol in all of my tanks at some point (mainly preventative) and have never checked water param's first and never had a problem.

To be honest I don't know anybody that has had a problem with flubenol.

Sorry, I meant it said in the link levasimol will kill the fish if ammonia and nitrite present. Sorry, I was very unclear. Has anyone heard or experienced this?

do you have to take out all the
charcoal out of your filters?

SophieJaynne wrote:Sorry, I meant it said in the link levasimol will kill the fish if ammonia and nitrite present. Sorry, I was very unclear. Has anyone heard or experienced this?

That doesn't sound right because ammonia and nitrite are toxic.

Edit- I understand now. That's the cattle/pig/horses flubenol that could make ammonia/nitrite more dangerous. Flubenol 15 is what is used for aquatics though.