Pond fish care -Common problems Protozoa
In general these are responsive to treatment with formalin & malachite- green mixtures used at recommended levels. Attention should also be paid to hygiene and husbandry. Really resistant cases (mainly Chilodonella) may require treatment in formalin dips. Use: PROTOBAN, Chloramine-T. Bacterial disease
External bacterial diseases such as mild fin rot or myxobacterial problems are responsive to improved hygiene and water changes combined with the use of antibacterials in the water. Use: ARK-KLENS as a long term bath in a separate container, or Chloramine T. Consult your veterinary surgeon. Fungus
This is almost always secondary, so the prime cause should be diagnosed and remedied, eg dirty pond, Ichthyophthirius (White spot), flukes, bacteria. The fungus should be wiped off using TAMODINE. The fish should then be held in a salt bath (approx 0.5%, ie 5g/litre or 1oz per gallon) until the site is healed. Use. Tamodine. Ulcers
These are usually simply external and affect single fish, The site should be cleaned using Tamodine. It should then be protected using a suitable barrier cream (we suggest Orabase - available from pharmacists). In addition the fish should be held in a salt bath as above to aid it osmotically and reduce stress. Epidemics of ulcers will need treatment using antibiotics, either by injection or via the food. Use: Tamodine, Orabase, salt, (& antibiotics if necessary under veterinary advice) Flukes
These are a problem since they are becoming resistant to treatment. Formalin baths can be used but these are stressful. In general organophosphate chemicals such as Masoten, Dipterex and Naled have been used but none are licensed for this purpose in the UK. Certain species such as orfe are highly susceptible to their toxic effects and should not be treated. Organophosphate dips are to be strongly discouraged since their use is likely to cause toxicity. | 
