GASTROPEX

• Contains copper, do not overdose!
• Always read the leaflet before use;
• This product may stain if spilt;
• Keep out of reach of children and pets;
• Do not use with animals that are intended for consumption;
• Store bottle and leaflet in original packaging;
• For use in freshwater aquariums only;
• Keep away from cuts, eyes and other sensitive areas;
• This information is general product information, not to be mistaken for the instruction leaflet. No rights can be derived from this F.A.Q.!

If snails can be seen in the aquarium, on the glass or in the gravel, then GASTROPEX should be used. Snails are relatively common in aquariums and in small quantities pose few problems. However, they pollute water and become a serious nuisance, so take action sooner rather than later. When you have a snail epidemic, removing them by hand again and again becomes a time-consuming chore. Total removal of all snails is nearly impossible and usually the epidemic returns. Use GASTROPEX to eliminate all aquatic snails including those hidden in the sand, gravel, plants and decorations.

Snail epidemic
It is strongly advised to remove as many snails as you can by hand before or just after the treatment. If there is a very large snail die-off, the dead snails will rot and pollute the aquarium water. This in turn may harm your fish and plants. Syphoning your gravel to remove the dead snails buried in it is also advisable (for example, the Malayan live-bearing snail abounds in substrate).

• GASTROPEX eliminates snails from the aquarium;
• Combats infusoria blooms;
• Clears cloudy water caused by bacterial blooms (common in new aquarium setups): bacterial blooms can be dangerous to fish (high levels of organic pollution);
• Combats Hydra: freshwater Hydra anchor to any submerged surface in your aquarium and can rapidly regenerate to epidemic proportions. Hydra pose a threat to small fish and fry and can appear unsightly. They are recognisable by the stalk (anchor) and several tentacles (to catch prey by stinging). Hydra can grow up to two centimetres in length, but are capable of contracting themselves.

• You can use GASTROPEX in tropical and coldwater aquariums.

Snails are not essential for maintaining a healthy aquarium, although some people like to keep them as an ornamental feature. However, snails can transmit diseases to your fish, as they are hosts for a range of parasites. They consume and ruin aquatic plants and can look unsightly. In addition, they reproduce at an alarming rate and can take over your aquarium in a short period of time. Large quantities of decomposing snail waste pollutes the water, which is bad for your fish and plants. In aquariums which are used for breeding, snails pose a problem as they eat fish eggs.

Please remove as many snails as possible from the aquarium before you start the treatment! GASTROPEX will kill snails and algae: do not let shrimp, crayfish and fish eat these dead and decomposing snails and algae, because they may cause food poisoning when eaten. When you have shrimp, crayfish or fish, which eat this dead material, we recommend to remove dead snails / algae and syphon the bottom during and directly after treatment.

You may continue to filter over non-adsorbing materials such as filter-wool, sand, gravel, etc. Always remove chemical ‘active’ filter media such as (fresh) activated carbon, UV (lights), oxidisers and resins, as these can have a diminishing effect on the action of GASTROPEX. Keep filters running day and night. After using GASTROPEX it is advisable to install a newly grafted filter in your aquarium.

Overdosing
Do not overdose GASTROPEX! Please follow the dosing instructions carefully!

Extended treatment
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It is generally not necessary to do a water change before or after using GASTROPEX. However, there are a few exceptions where a partial water change should be carried out before treating the aquarium:

1. In the case of poor water quality. Regular testing with eSHa AQUA-QUICK-TEST can identify water quality problems in time to take corrective action when needed;
2. If you are close to your regular water change;
3. If using any waterconditioners (see general questions: how can I safely add tap water when doing a water change, without adding (too much) water conditioner?);
4. If you have just used or are using another treatment: 2 x 40% water changes should be carried out over a period of two days + appropriate filtering (i.e. carbon).

Replacing some of the water during or after treatment effectively removes some of the treatment. Compensate by adding a proportional amount of medication after a water change.

1. To treat snails, hydra, bacterial blooms and other infusoria related blooms, use a standard 3 day dose of GASTROPEX. Remove as many snails as possible from the aquarium before you start the treatment! Calculate the volume of your aquarium (only the area occupied by water). You can use the Dosage Calculator to calculate the correct dosage.
2. Add drops of GASTROPEX to your aquarium by holding the bottle upside down and squeezing the pipette (20 drops = 1 ml).

After treatment we strongly recommend that you give your fish a daily dose of eSHa OPTIMA, to keep them in good health. eSHa OPTIMA is a unique combination of the essential components found in tropical rivers, lakes and streams. These components are blended with trace elements, minerals, vitamins and natural growth enhancers to give your fish what they are accustomed to in their natural environment. eSHa OPTIMA stimulates and supports the natural immune defences and speeds up full recovery from illness.

We do not recommend using other eSHa products while using GASTROPEX.

Never combine eSHa products with products from other brands, unless the manufacturer specifically states that it is safe to do so.