Thread: Shiner Parasite Infection Discovered & Treated

I was running close to a full tub in my shiner tank just to give more volume for the bait to swim in. Well I never noticed any of the shiners swimming in circles in the treated water with it so deep. I usually have the water level just a few inches over the pump housing. I did a partial water change of 50 gallons a few days ago and the tank water smell improved.



Well I went in yesterday and noticed the off smell was back. While doing another partial water change I noticed a shiner turning in circles. That is a dead give away to parasite infection. It happens but I have not had one in a few years. A earlier batch may have been infected when I bought them from the hatchery. I didn't get a video of the circling shiner but will if I get the chance.



To treat the shiners so we will get rig of the parasites we need to add Praziquantel Powder to the water. A little of this stuff goes a long way. Mixing is quite the pain if you do not know the trick to get the powder into suspension first.



I can shake this bottle for a week and there will still be powder floating on top. Now time for the secret, if you pour some Vodka in the bottle first then add the powder and with a bit of swirling the powder goes right into suspension. Add your tank water and the alcohol works as a medium to blend the powder and water together.



I'm not a Vodka man myself but keep the stuff around because it is the best thing to use in your Airlock when making wine.

I wonder if the drunk shiners help on the crappies aim...