soup wrote:
Will treating for flukes harm the fish if they do not have them?
Behaviour seems to agree with description on the 'net but I am no
expert, obviously I will talk to the chap(ess) at the aquarium shop
tommorow,but these people TEND (oh no looking for specialist advice on a
Saturday) to only want to make a sale so may not get the best advice.



Congratulations on keeping the fish healthy for so long! It's also
heart-warming that you have the interest and caring nature to want to
keep the fish healthy.

I'll repeat that I don't think chemicals are the answer. Healthy water
and food, enough room, general lack of stress... these things help
maintain a strong immune system in the fish that can ward off parasites.

Where would your parasites have come from? If they came in with the fish
a year ago and are now causing a problem it may be because as the fish
became bigger they produced more waste and are now crowded, stressed and
beginning to have problems.

In addition to being toxic in themselves, fish "medicines" can adversely
affect your biological filter. That would lead to ammonia, a mini-cycle,
more stress...

Just go with the water changes (my vote).

I wish you the best with your fish!
Steve