Aqua Meds FlukeGuard

FlukeGuard is the fluke treatment we use when a koi is flashing, rubbing on the pond walls, or breathing hard with its gills open. Those are the classic signs of gill flukes (Dactylogyrus) and skin flukes (Gyrodactylus), and FlukeGuard also handles tapeworms and Hexamita. The active ingredient is flubendazole at a 20% concentration, four times the strength of the usual 5% products, so a small tub goes a long way.

How to use it

Dose at 3 grams per 1,000 gallons (0.3 g per 100 gallons). Dissolve the measured amount in warm water and pour it in near the return or an air stone so it spreads through the whole pond. One dose is usually enough; for a heavy infestation Aqua Meds allows a second dose after 7 days. Turn off UV sterilizers, ozone and carbon for the 7-day treatment window, and do not run it with other medications. Wear gloves and do not overdose; more is not better with flukes.

Sizes and coverage

• 3 g treats 1,000 gallons
• 6 g treats 2,000 gallons
• 15 g treats 5,000 gallons
• 30 g treats 10,000 gallons
• 60 g treats 20,000 gallons

Safe for biofilters and effective across the temperature range you will see in a South Florida pond. It is harmful to aquatic snails, so remove them first. If you are not sure whether you are looking at flukes or a bacterial problem, call us before you treat; a scrape under the microscope saves a lot of guesswork.