eSHa Hexamita

eSHa HEXAMITA is a versatile aquarium fish treatment for hole in the head disease and several conditions associated with protozoan parasites. It has been formulated especially for discus and other cichlids, including angelfish, but is also suitable for many other tropical freshwater and coldwater fish.

Hole in the head disease is commonly associated with protozoans such as Hexamita and Spironucleus. The condition may appear as small pits, enlarged sensory pores, pale lesions, or holes around the head and lateral line. Other possible signs include reduced appetite, darkened coloration, weight loss, white stringy waste, slow reactions, and separation from the group.

eSHa HEXAMITA targets Hexamita, Octomitus, and Spironucleus. It can also be used against protozoan parasites including Ichthyobodo necator, also known as Costia, Piscinoodinium pillulare, Cryptobia iubilans, and Protoopalina. Its broad range makes it particularly useful when cichlids display several related symptoms and the precise cause is difficult to identify.

The treatment is administered directly to the aquarium through a simple three day dosing program. Water based treatment is especially useful when affected fish have stopped eating and medication cannot be reliably delivered with food. Fish usually do not need to be moved to a separate treatment aquarium unless required by the aquarium inhabitants or other circumstances.

When used according to the instructions, eSHa HEXAMITA is designed to be well tolerated by fish, plants, and biological filtration. Mechanical and biological filtration can normally remain operational. Activated carbon, ultraviolet sterilizers, ozone generators, and other equipment or media that remove treatment ingredients should be taken out of use during the treatment.

Accurate calculation of the actual water volume is important. Substrate, rocks, wood, decorations, and aquarium equipment reduce the amount of water inside the aquarium. Dosing according to the actual volume helps maintain an effective concentration and prevents unnecessary overdosing.

Key features

• Treatment for freshwater aquarium fish
• Developed especially for discus and other cichlids
• Suitable for angelfish
• Designed to treat hole in the head disease
• Targets Hexamita protozoans
• Also targets Spironucleus and Octomitus
• Suitable for several other protozoan conditions
• Simple three day dosing program
• Added directly to the aquarium water
• Suitable for tropical freshwater fish
• Suitable for coldwater fish
• Designed to be well tolerated by fish, plants, and biological filters
• Can be combined with eSHa EXIT or eSHa gdex according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Available in several package sizes

Applications

eSHa HEXAMITA may be suitable when fish show signs associated with hole in the head disease or protozoan infections, including:

• Small pits or holes around the head
• Enlarged sensory pores
• Pale discharge from pores around the head
• Lesions near the head, lateral line, or base of the fins
• Reduced appetite
• Weight loss or a sunken abdomen
• White stringy waste
• Darkened coloration
• Slow reactions or unusual swimming
• Separation from other fish
• Increased skin mucus

Similar symptoms can also result from water quality, nutrition, or other health conditions. Check the aquarium water parameters and assess the complete situation before beginning treatment.

Dosage

Standard three day dosage for 100 litres of actual aquarium water:

1. Day one: 25 drops
2. Day two: 12 drops
3. Day three: 12 drops

Approximately 20 drops equal 1 ml. A 20 ml bottle treats up to approximately 800 litres under the standard dosing program.

Calculate the dose according to the actual water volume. Aquariums containing large amounts of substrate, rocks, wood, or decorations may hold considerably less water than their stated capacity. Always follow the current instructions supplied with the product.

Directions for use

1. Check the aquarium water quality before treatment.
2. Calculate the actual water volume.
3. Remove activated carbon and other treatment absorbing media.
4. Switch off ultraviolet sterilizers and ozone generators.
5. Keep biological filtration operating.
6. Maintain effective circulation and aeration.
7. Shake the bottle before dosing.
8. Follow the three day dosing program.
9. Monitor fish behaviour and breathing during treatment.
10. Follow the package instructions for water changes and returning filter media after treatment.

Do not combine the product with treatments from other manufacturers unless compatibility has been confirmed. Do not exceed the dosage stated in the product instructions.