In the world of aquarium keeping, providing a healthy environment for all inhabitants is a top priority. This means having medications on hand to treat any diseases or parasites that may arise. A popular medication for fish is API General Cure, but is it safe to use in tanks with sensitive shrimp? Let’s take an in-depth look at the pros and cons of using API General Cure to treat fish diseases in shrimp tanks.
What is API General Cure?
API General Cure is an over-the-counter powdered medication that treats a variety of external parasitic infections in fish. The active ingredients are:
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Metronidazole – Works against protozoan parasites like ich and marine velvet disease. Also treats internal infections.
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Praziquantel – Effective against worm parasites including tapeworms, flatworms and flukes.
General Cure is administered by mixing powder packets into the aquarium water over 2-3 doses, 48 hours apart. A partial water change is recommended after treatment.
Is API General Cure Safe for Shrimp?
The short answer is no, API General Cure is not specifically formulated with shrimp compatibility in mind. Both metronidazole and praziquantel have some toxicity to invertebrates. Exact levels vary between shrimp species but negative impacts are possible.
Potential risks of using General Cure in a shrimp tank include
- Direct mortality from chemical toxicity
- Reduced shrimp lifespan
- Impaired mobility or swimming
- Less feeding and breeding
- Increased molting frequency
- Failed molts leading to death
The severity depends on dosage, shrimp species, and tank conditions. Completely shrimp-safe levels are uncertain.
Can Shrimp Stay in the Tank During Treatment?
It is not recommended to treat tanks housing shrimp with the normal API General Cure doses. If unable to move shrimp to a separate holding tank, consider the following precautions:
- Use a partial dose of General Cure, around half the normal amount
- Maintain excellent water quality with frequent testing
- Monitor shrimp closely for signs of stress or abnormal behavior
- Perform large water changes after treatment to remove medication
Even at reduced medication levels, some shrimp loss is possible. Move as many shrimp as possible to a temporary tank for safest results.
Alternative Shrimp-Safe Medications
Rather than risk issues using API General Cure around shrimp, consider some alternative parasite treatments that are proven shrimp-compatible:
- Seachem Paraguard – Safe substitute for API General Cure, treats parasites, fungi, and bacteria
- Seachem GarlicGuard – All natural medicine, antiseptic, immune system booster
- Aquarium salt – Use conservatively to battle external parasites, improve gill function
- Raise tank temperature – Speeds up shrimp metabolism to combat disease
Natural parasite treatments pose less risks for delicate shrimp. Avoid copper-based medications around invertebrates.
Reviews of Using API General Cure in Shrimp Tanks
Reviews from aquarists who have used API General Cure in tanks with shrimp are mixed:
“I used a half dose in my cherry shrimp tank and had no issues. Shrimp seemed fine and it cured my fish.”
“A few shrimp died when I treated my whole planted tank. Wish I had removed them first.”
“I lost over half my blue velvet colony with General Cure. Never again with invertebrates for me.”
“Used it as directed in my shrimp-only tank and it completely crashed the cycle. Disaster.”
Key Recommendations for Using API General Cure With Shrimp
If choosing to use API General Cure in tanks containing shrimp, following these best practices:
- First remove as many shrimp as possible to a separate temporary tank
- Use only a partial, reduced medication dose
- Test water parameters frequently, perform 50% water changes
- Add extra aeration via air stone or surface agitation
- Monitor shrimp behavior closely for any signs of stress
- Discontinue use if any issues arise in shrimp health
- Avoid treating breeding shrimp especially pregnant females
- Never use full dose General Cure in a shrimp-only tank
Even with precautions, API General Cure does pose a risk to shrimp. Proceed with extreme care and have backup plans if problems occur.
If General Cure must be used around shrimp, take every precaution possible. Invest time up front to temporarily relocate shrimp. Or employ a conservative partial dose and diligent monitoring if unable to move them.
Whenever possible, utilize natural treatments or shrimp-safe medications. Avoid General Cure in sensitive breeding colonies in particular. With proper care, your shrimp and fish can thrive together in a disease-free environment.
