Arcane Corals
Clinical Protocol

Parasite Protocol: reef safe treatment for black ich, flukes, and marine flatworms

Eliminating common pests without harming coral.

Black Ich Treatment on Mimic Tang

Verified Quarantine Protocol: We use these exact methods at our Warner Robins facility before any utility fish enters our coral grow out systems.

Even the healthiest reef tanks can carry parasites. This guide covers safely treating Black Ich, Flukes, and Internal Worms using proven reef safe methods.

1. Identify the Invader

Black Ich

Paravortex spp. Tiny dark specks (salt & pepper). Causes flashing. Common on Tangs.

Flukes

Monogeneans. Translucent. Look for cloudy eyes, frayed fins, or "yawning".

Internal Worms

Nematodes. White stringy poop, pinched stomach, or bloating.

Quick Check: A five minute freshwater dip can confirm flukes. If small, opaque disc shaped parasites fall off into the water, it's flukes.

2. Case Study: Mimic Tang

Tang with Black Ich Spots
Day 0: Infection
Tang Fully Healed
Day 14: Cleared

3. Dosage Calculator

The most common mistake with PraziPro is overdosing by treating the tank's rated volume rather than the actual water volume.

Dose Amount 0 ml

4. The Protocol

Phase 1: The First Strike (Day 1)

  • Remove Media: Carbon, GFO, and Purigen must be removed.
  • Turn Off UV: UV light degrades the medication immediately.
  • Skimmer Cup Off: Leave the skimmer running for oxygen, but remove the cup. It will overflow.
  • Surface Agitation: Aim powerheads up. PraziPro reduces oxygen levels.
  • Dose: Add the calculated amount to a high flow area.

Phase 2: The Gap (Days 2 to 6)

Leave the system alone. Do not perform water changes unless ammonia rises. Observe fish for heavy breathing.

Internal Parasite Note: For internal worms (white poop), dosing the water is often not enough. You must soak their food.

Recipe: 1 tbsp frozen food + 1 scoop General Cure + 1 scoop Focus (binder). Feed daily for 14 days.

Phase 3: The Second Strike (Day 7)

Timing is critical. At 78°F, fluke eggs hatch in about 4 to 5 days. We must hit them before they mature and lay new eggs.

  • Water Change: Perform a 25% water change.
  • Redose: Add the full dose of PraziPro again.
  • Wait: Wait another 6 days (until Day 13).

Phase 4: Cleanup (Day 14)

Perform a large water change, turn UV back on, and run fresh Carbon to remove the medication.

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Recorded June 2025, revised February 2026, from the fish room in Warner Robins.