eSHa Gdex

eSHa gdex is a targeted parasite treatment developed to control flatworms and tapeworms in aquarium fish. It is suitable for external skin and gill flukes as well as internal tapeworms. The treatment is particularly useful when symptoms, visible parasites, or examination results indicate a worm infection.

Skin flukes such as Gyrodactylus attach to the surface of the fish and may cause severe irritation. Affected fish may rub against rocks, wood, decorations, and aquarium equipment. Other possible signs include increased mucus production, cloudy skin, clamped fins, restless swimming, and small areas of skin damage.

Gill flukes such as Dactylogyrus live on the gills. They can damage delicate gill tissue and interfere with oxygen uptake. Affected fish may breathe rapidly, hold their gill covers open, or remain close to the water surface and filter outlet. A serious infection can reduce appetite, slow growth, and gradually weaken the fish.

Tapeworms are internal parasites that normally live in the digestive system. Possible signs include weight loss despite continued feeding, reduced growth, a sunken abdomen, pale or unusual waste, and a gradual decline in condition. The severity of the symptoms depends on the fish species, number of parasites, and duration of the infection.

eSHa gdex is added directly to the aquarium water. The treatment is distributed throughout the aquarium, making it possible to treat fish that would be difficult to catch or move. Freshwater aquariums can normally be treated as a complete system when the package instructions are followed carefully.

Marine fish should be treated in a separate quarantine aquarium. Do not dose the product directly into a reef aquarium containing corals and other marine invertebrates unless the current product instructions specifically confirm compatibility.

When used correctly, eSHa gdex is well tolerated by many ornamental fish, aquatic plants, shrimp, and biological filters. Compatibility with every aquarium inhabitant should still be checked in the current product instructions before treatment, especially when keeping rare, sensitive, or unusually small animals.

Mechanical and biological filtration can normally remain operational during treatment. Activated carbon, zeolite, ion exchange resins, and other media that may absorb the treatment should be removed. Ultraviolet sterilizers, ozone generators, and other equipment capable of breaking down the active ingredients should be switched off.

The life cycles of flukes and tapeworms vary between species. The first application may not affect every egg, so repeat treatment may be required. Thorough substrate cleaning, removal of organic waste, and careful adherence to the treatment schedule help reduce the risk of reinfection.

eSHa gdex can be combined with eSHa 2000 or eSHa HEXAMITA according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The combination of eSHa HEXAMITA and gdex provides broad parasite control for wild imported cichlids, including discus, which may carry several types of parasites and protozoans.

Key features

• Controls flatworms in aquarium fish
• Targets skin flukes such as Gyrodactylus
• Targets gill flukes such as Dactylogyrus
• Suitable for treating tapeworms
• Added directly to aquarium water
• Suitable for tropical freshwater aquariums
• Suitable for coldwater aquariums
• Suitable for marine fish in quarantine aquariums
• Well tolerated by many ornamental fish and plants
• Suitable for many shrimp species when dosed correctly
• Biological filtration can normally remain operational
• Can be combined with eSHa 2000
• Can be combined with eSHa HEXAMITA
• Available in several package sizes
• Suitable for preventive use according to the manufacturer’s instructions

Applications

eSHa gdex may be suitable when fish show signs including:

• Rubbing against aquarium surfaces
• Increased mucus production
• Cloudy or irritated skin
• Clamped fins
• Restless or twitching swimming
• Rapid or difficult breathing
• Gill covers held more open than usual
• Remaining near the water surface or strong circulation
• Reduced appetite
• Weight loss despite continued feeding
• A sunken abdomen
• Reduced growth
• Pale or unusual waste
• Gradual decline in general condition

Similar signs may also result from poor water quality, other parasites, bacterial infections, or unsuitable aquarium conditions. Check temperature, pH, ammonium, ammonia, nitrite, and other essential water parameters before treatment.

Dosage and use

Always dose eSHa gdex according to the current instructions supplied with the product. Calculate the dose using the actual water volume. Substrate, rocks, wood, decorations, and equipment reduce the amount of water inside the aquarium.

1. Identify the parasite whenever possible.
2. Calculate the actual aquarium water volume.
3. Confirm compatibility with all aquarium inhabitants.
4. Move marine fish to a separate quarantine aquarium.
5. Remove activated carbon and other treatment absorbing media.
6. Switch off ultraviolet sterilizers and ozone generators.
7. Keep biological filtration operating.
8. Maintain effective circulation and adequate aeration.
9. Shake the bottle thoroughly before use.
10. Dose according to the package instructions.
11. Clean the substrate and remove visible organic waste.
12. Monitor fish breathing and behaviour.
13. Perform the instructed water change.
14. Repeat treatment at the specified time when required.

Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Do not combine the product with treatments from other manufacturers unless compatibility has been confirmed. Do not use the product on animals intended for human consumption.