HEXAMITA

• 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 freshwater ornamental fish only;
• This product may discolour the water;
• Keep away from eyes, cuts and 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.!

Disease diagnosis is the first step towards successful and rapid disease cure. Most fish diseases are highly contagious and spread quickly in aquarium conditions, so prompt diagnosis and treatment is advised. There are some ‘early warning signals’ which should be watched for as these can indicate the onset of a disease.

Skin
The skin is the first line of defence and as such it is often the first to show signs of attack from infection. Any changes in skin colour or appearance should be closely watched for.

Fins
Watch your fish’s fins. Fins which are held close to the body signal an illness, particularly on live bearing fish.

Swimming behaviour
Unusual or sluggish swimming behaviour can indicate the onset of a disease.

There are a number of symptoms your discus, angelfish or cichlids may show when contaminated with hexamita, the ‘hole-in-the-head’ causing parasite. Not all symptoms will be visible.

The first signs of infection

• The infected fish is cast out or separates itself from the group.

Symptoms of the second stage of infection

• Loss of appetite;
• Dull eyes;
• Darkening of colour of the skin;
• Apprehensive behaviour;
• Slow reactions;
• White stringy faeces (sometimes).

Symptoms of the final stages of infection

• Enlarged sensory pores on the head that become filled with a whitish pus;
• Tubular skin eruptions (whitish pus substance emerges from lesions which can be mistaken for worms);
• Rapidly spreading skin decay;
• Emaciated and distended body;
• Lesions near the head, lateral line and at the base of fins;
• Thin body with a tucked in abdomen;
• Small holes in foreheads and body;
• ‘Flaky’ skin.

It is important to note the sensory pores are not always affected and hence if this visible sign is not present, then a hexamita infection can go unnoticed. Death can occur by infection in the internal organs as the parasite can spread to them from the intestine where it often resides. Traditional treatment for hexamita is done with medicated food, which only works after reaching the intestines of the fish, where most hexamita infections reside. However, fish tend to lose their appetite when infected, so it can be hard to treat the fish in this manner. HEXAMITA solves your problem!

HEXAMITA is specially formulated for use with discus and cichlids (and is especially good with discus and angelfish).

• You can use HEXAMITA to treat tropical and coldwater fish.
• HEXAMITA is well tolerated by plants and filters.

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 HEXAMITA. Keep filters running day and night.

Overdosing
Please do not add more than the advised dosage when using HEXAMITA!

Extended treatment
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It is generally not necessary to do a water change before or after using HEXAMITA. 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 the disease organisms and conditions, use a standard 3 day dose of HEXAMITA. 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 HEXAMITA to your aquarium by holding the bottle upside down and squeezing the pipette (20 drops = 1 ml).

After an illness 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.

HEXAMITA can be used in conjunction with:

• EXIT: treats all ‘spot’ (Ich) causing parasitic species and ‘velvet’ disease. There is no need to halve the dosage when using HEXAMITA and EXIT together.
• eSHa gdex: is outstanding at controlling the likes of flatworms / skin flukes (Gyrodactylus), gill flukes (Dactylogyrus) and tapeworms (Cestoda), but at the same time it is tolerated by a wide range of plants, shrimp and filter bacteria.

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