Help! How do I kill all the copepods?

[AustinC120]

I know copepods aren't harmful to the fish, but I don't like them. There are more than 1000 of them in my 10 gal tank( with 13 neon tetras), and I haven't cleaned the tank for more than 2 months because I didn't want to put my hand in the tank (I'm afraid of insects). Can someone tell me how to kill a the copepods, so that I can clean the tank.......PLEASE HELP!!

 

[dcraveiro]

Try this......

http/www.petco.com/product_info.asp?sku=...01&dept_id=%2D2

 

[AustinC120]

Cool, that was fast. Thank you so much. It won't be harmful to my fishies, will it?

 

[dcraveiro]

Here are some instructions on it.... Shouldn't be harmful to your fish unless you have some of the ones listed here.

Use cautiously with marine sharks and lionfish. Change water at the sign of stress. Directions: Use disposable cup. Dissolve in tap water treat at rate of one tablet per ten gallons of fresh or marine aquarium water. Administer every 24 hours until cure is effected. Remove carbon and leave filters running during treatment. Do not overdose. After cure is effected, replace one-half of aquarium water. Change filter materials and replace carbon. Does not affect pH and will not interrupt nitrification. Clout can be used prophylactically when adding new fish and should be used at the earliest sign of a specific problem.

 

[AustinC120]

Did you have the same problem before?

 

[dcraveiro]

No, I volunteer at a fish store called Fish Gallery in Englewood, Colorado and a couple of people have come in with the same problem. The people who have attended to those customers have sent them to Petco/Petsmart to buy the tabs. I think it's worth a shot! How do you think you got them in your tank? Just curious.

 

[AustinC120]

It started it ever since I added a Yo-yo Loach(RIP) in my tank. After a week or two there are thousands of white dots in my tank.

 

[dcraveiro]

Oh, i'm sorry about your loss. I'll ask for some more advice at the fish store and I'll let you know if I can. I'd say go with the tabs for now though, it's worth trying IMO.

 

[AustinC120]

i know....the Yo-yo was so cute. Anyway, thank you so much for your help.

 

[Karebear]

Try this......

http/www.petco.com/product_info.asp?sku=...01&dept_id=%2D2

I clicked the link and it says it’s not available at petco anymore could you please let me know what I need to get

 

[Essjay]

The post is 18 years old so it's not surprising the product is no longer available.

As I don't live in the US I don't know if there is another product, American members may be able to help. But these days we don't advocate adding chemicals to a tank unless there's no alternative.

 

[Karebear]

I have tried all the alternatives and no luck they are actually attached to my betta which has caused him to start flashing so I know he is uncomfortable

 

[Slaphppy7]

I have tried all the alternatives and no luck they are actually attached to my betta which has caused him to start flashing so I know he is uncomfortable

It would be best to start a thread of your own about your betta, if you haven't already

Please include pics...I've never heard of copepods attaching to ANY fish, but I could be wrong

 

[Colin_T]

malachite green or copper should kill copepods.

 

[Essjay]

Those chemicals kill shrimps and snails, so if you have any of those don't use them.