Using General Cure for discus fry?

[AlohaVic]

First batch of fry ever are now about 16 days old but a few died yesterday. I read from a professional breeder about medicating preemptively to avoid the “30-day die-off” that often occurs. I am considering a dose of General Cure but the instructions say dose once, then again 48 hours later, then a 25% water change after another 48 hours. But I am already doing daily 70% water changes. Is anyone using General Cure or some other medication in their fry tank and, if so, how are you managing your water changes?

[brewmaster15]

Vic welcome to the forum.

I do not recommend prophylactically treating fry like that and honestly dont believe in "30 day die off" often die-offs with fry are the result of high bacteria counts in the water, overfeeding, ammonia or nitrite spikes from insufficient bio filter, or pathogens the parents have. If you use a treatment like general cure you could actually make things worse depending on the base issue.

"General cure "is metronidazole and Prazi. Both meant to treat parasites. Its far more effective and safe to treat the parents if you determine they have parasites then the fry . If you treat the parents before they spawn the fry will not need it after they hatch.

Its just really not wise to dump meds into a tank of fry.

Just my opinion.
Al

[AlohaVic]

Thank you, Al. Your advice is much appreciated

[brewmaster15]

You are very welcome. Have you checked your ammonia and nitrites?

If you are using sponge filters be sure to gently rinse them often.. they are great places to grow beneficial bacteria but can also be a source of bad bacteria if not cleaned well... fry really need clean tanks and filters... just gently rinse them.