Instructions for Using TERMINATE

Using TERMINATE (Without Aqua Prazi)

• Day 1:
  • Water Change: Perform a 25% water change.
  • Dosage: Add 100 mL of TERMINATE per 1,000 gallons of pond water.
  • Aeration: Increase aeration and circulation, if possible.
• Day 2 (24 Hours Later):
  • Water Change: Perform another 25% water change.
  • Dosage: Add 100 mL of TERMINATE per 1,000 gallons of pond water.
  • Aeration: Continue to increase aeration and circulation, if possible.
• Day 3 (24 Hours Later):
  • Water Change: No water change required.
  • Dosage: Add 100 mL of TERMINATE per 1,000 gallons of pond water.
  • Aeration: Maintain aeration and circulation to support fish health.
• Post-Treatment (After Day 3):
  • Water Change: Do not change any water in the pond for at least 5 days after the final treatment.
  • Pond Maintenance: After 5 days, resume your normal pond maintenance schedule.
  • Storage: Store any remaining TERMINATE in a safe place at a temperature above 50°F.

Using TERMINATE with Aqua Prazi

• Day 1:
  • Water Change: Perform a 25% water change.
  • Dosage: Add 100 mL of TERMINATE per 1,000 gallons of pond water.
  • Aeration: Increase aeration and circulation, if possible.
• Day 2 (24 Hours Later):
  • Water Change: Perform another 25% water change.
  • Dosage: Add 100 mL of TERMINATE per 1,000 gallons of pond water.
  • Aeration: Continue to increase aeration and circulation, if possible.
• Day 3 (24 Hours Later):
  • Water Change: No water change required.
  • Preparation: In a clean container, mix:
    • 100 mL of TERMINATE per 1,000 gallons of pond water
    • 10 grams of Aqua Prazi per 1,000 gallons of pond water
    Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes, then mix it vigorously again.
  • Application: Pour the mixture around the bottom edge of the pond where most of the fish are located, ensuring it circulates freely throughout the pond.
  • Aeration: Continue to increase aeration and circulation, if possible.
• Post-Treatment (After Day 3):
  • Water Change: Do not change any water in the pond for at least 5 days after the final treatment.
  • Pond Maintenance: After 5 days, resume your normal pond maintenance schedule.
  • Storage: Store any remaining TERMINATE and Aqua Prazi in a safe place at a temperature above 50°F.

Note: Using both TERMINATE and Aqua Prazi together kills most types of parasites found in fish ponds. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Aqua Meds for support.

Instructions for Using TERMINATE (12-Hour Stronger Option)

Why Use the 12-Hour Dosage?

The 12-hour dosage option is a stronger and faster approach for treating severe parasite infestations. This method increases the frequency of dosing to eliminate fast-reproducing parasites like Costia, Chilodonella, and Ich. While effective, this option temporarily increases the concentration of active ingredients in the pond, so it's important to monitor fish closely for signs of stress.

12-Hour Dosing Instructions

• Day 1:
  • Water Change: Perform a 25% water change.
  • Dosage: Add 100 mL of TERMINATE per 1,000 gallons of pond water.
  • Aeration: Increase aeration and water circulation, if possible.
• 12 Hours Later:
  • Dosage: Add 100 mL of TERMINATE per 1,000 gallons of pond water.
  • Aeration: Continue to increase aeration and water circulation, if possible.
• Day 2 (12 Hours After Previous Dose):
  • Water Change: Perform a 25% water change.
  • Dosage: Add 100 mL of TERMINATE per 1,000 gallons of pond water.
  • Aeration: Continue to increase aeration and water circulation, if possible.
• 12 Hours Later:
  • Dosage: Add 100 mL of TERMINATE per 1,000 gallons of pond water.
  • Aeration: Continue to increase aeration and water circulation, if possible.
• Day 3 (12 Hours After Previous Dose):
  • Water Change: No water change required.
  • Dosage: Add 100 mL of TERMINATE per 1,000 gallons of pond water.
  • Aeration: Continue to increase aeration and water circulation, if possible.
• 12 Hours Later:
  • Dosage: Add 100 mL of TERMINATE per 1,000 gallons of pond water.
  • Aeration: Continue to increase aeration and water circulation, if possible.
• Post-Treatment (After Day 3):
  • Water Change: Do not change any water in the pond for at least 5 days after the final treatment.
  • Pond Maintenance: After 5 days, resume your normal pond maintenance schedule.
  • Storage: Store any remaining TERMINATE in a safe place at a temperature above 50°F.

Important Notes

• Increased Concentration: The 12-hour schedule temporarily increases the concentration of TERMINATE in the pond, especially after the second and third days. This stronger concentration targets hard-to-treat parasites but may also stress sensitive koi or scaleless koi. Monitor fish behavior closely during treatment.
• Signs of Fish Stress: Watch for gasping at the surface, rapid gill movement, clamped fins, or erratic swimming behavior. If these signs appear, increase aeration immediately.
• Maintain Aeration: Aeration is critical because TERMINATE can temporarily reduce oxygen levels in the water. Consider adding an air stone or increasing water movement during treatment.
• Do Not Feed Fish: During treatment, avoid feeding the fish to reduce stress on the biofilter and prevent waste buildup in the water.
• Check Pond Filter: TERMINATE is safe for biofilters, but higher concentrations from the 12-hour schedule may affect beneficial bacteria. If possible, bypass the biofilter during treatment.

Disclaimer: The 12-hour dosage method is an advanced option intended for treating severe infestations of parasites. Use caution and monitor fish behavior during the treatment. If you have questions, contact Aqua Meds for support.

Precautions When Using TERMINATE

1. Monitor Fish for Signs of Stress

• Watch for Symptoms: Fish may show signs of stress during treatment, especially with the stronger 12-hour dosing schedule. Signs of stress include:
  • Gasping for air at the surface
  • Clamped fins
  • Erratic swimming behavior
  • Rapid gill movement
• What to Do: If you notice any of these signs, increase aeration immediately by adding air stones or increasing water circulation.

2. Maintain Proper Aeration

• Why It Matters: TERMINATE contains formalin, which can temporarily reduce oxygen levels in the pond. Maintaining high oxygen levels is critical for fish health during treatment.
• What to Do:
  • Run air pumps, air stones, or additional water features to increase oxygen levels.
  • Avoid reducing water movement during treatment.

3. Do Not Use Salt or Other Medicated Treatments

• Why It Matters: Using salt or other medications during TERMINATE treatment can interfere with its effectiveness and increase fish stress.
• What to Do:
  • Remove salt from the pond before beginning the treatment.
  • Do not combine TERMINATE with other treatments unless explicitly instructed to do so (like with Aqua Prazi).

4. Avoid Feeding Fish During Treatment

• Why It Matters: Feeding fish during treatment increases the biological load on the pond, which can reduce water quality and stress fish further.
• What to Do:
  • Refrain from feeding fish during the 3-day treatment period.
  • Resume feeding after treatment is complete and water parameters have stabilized.

5. Protect Your Pond's Filter

• Why It Matters: While TERMINATE is safe for biofilters, increased concentrations (like when using the 12-hour dosing option) may impact beneficial bacteria.
• What to Do:
  • If possible, bypass your biofilter during treatment to prevent disruption of beneficial bacteria.
  • After treatment, reintroduce the biofilter and monitor ammonia and nitrite levels.

6. Use Proper Dosage and Avoid Overdosing

• Why It Matters: Overdosing can increase stress on fish and may disrupt pond water chemistry.
• What to Do:
  • Measure TERMINATE carefully according to the dosage instructions (100 mL per 1,000 gallons).
  • For ponds larger than 1,000 gallons, ensure accurate dosage using measuring tools (e.g., graduated containers).
  • Do not "eyeball" doses — always measure accurately.

7. Wait 5 Days Before Changing Water

• Why It Matters: Changing water too soon can reduce the effectiveness of TERMINATE, as active ingredients need time to work.
• What to Do:
  • Do not perform water changes for 5 days after the final treatment.
  • After 5 days, resume your normal pond maintenance schedule.

8. Store TERMINATE Properly

• Why It Matters: Proper storage ensures the product remains effective for future use.
• What to Do:
  • Store TERMINATE in a cool, dry place where temperatures remain above 50°F (10°C).
  • Keep the container tightly sealed to prevent contamination and evaporation of active ingredients.

9. Wear Protective Gear When Handling TERMINATE

• Why It Matters: TERMINATE contains formalin and malachite green, both of which can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory systems.
• What to Do:
  • Wear gloves and avoid direct contact with skin.
  • Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes.
  • If possible, use a mask or respirator when handling large quantities.

10. Keep Out of Reach of Children and Pets

• Why It Matters: TERMINATE contains chemicals that may be harmful if ingested or inhaled by children or pets.
• What to Do:
  • Store TERMINATE in a locked or child-safe location.
  • Keep the product in its original container with the safety label intact.

Disclaimer: Always read and follow the instructions on the product label. If you have any questions about the safe use of TERMINATE, contact Aqua Meds for support.

Why a 25% Water Change is Necessary Before Using TERMINATE

1. Reduces Organic Load and Debris

Why It Matters: Ponds naturally accumulate fish waste, uneaten food, algae, and decaying plant material. These organics can bind to TERMINATE's active ingredients, reducing its effectiveness.

How It Helps: A 25% water change removes organic matter, allowing TERMINATE to remain fully active in the water. With fewer organics, TERMINATE works more effectively to kill parasites like Costia and Chilodonella.

2. Reduces Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate Levels

Why It Matters: Stressed fish produce more waste, which increases ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. These compounds stress the fish further, making them more vulnerable to parasites.

How It Helps: A 25% water change dilutes ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels, reducing fish stress. It creates a healthier environment, making fish more resistant to parasites during treatment.

3. Replenishes Oxygen Levels in the Water

Why It Matters: TERMINATE contains formalin, which reduces oxygen levels in the water. This can lead to fish gasping for air if oxygen levels are too low.

How It Helps: A 25% water change brings fresh, oxygenated water into the pond. This ensures oxygen levels stay high, helping fish breathe properly during treatment.

4. Removes Parasite Eggs and Free-Swimming Parasites

Why It Matters: Parasites like Costia and Ich have free-swimming stages in their life cycle. TERMINATE only kills parasites in their free-swimming stage, not when they're in cysts or attached to fish.

How It Helps: A 25% water change physically removes parasite eggs and free-swimming parasites from the water. This reduces the overall "parasite load" in the pond, making it easier for TERMINATE to kill the remaining parasites.

5. Lowers the Concentration of Residual Chemicals

Why It Matters: If you've used salt or other medications in the pond, there may be residual chemicals that can interfere with TERMINATE's effectiveness.

How It Helps: A 25% water change reduces the concentration of residual salt or chemicals in the water, ensuring TERMINATE works at full strength.

6. Reduces Fish Hormones and Stress Compounds

Why It Matters: When fish are stressed, they release stress hormones (like cortisol) into the water. These hormones can cause other fish to become stressed, creating a cycle of group stress.

How It Helps: A 25% water change removes stress hormones and pheromones from the pond. This helps reduce group stress, keeping fish calmer during treatment.

7. Balances Water Chemistry (pH, KH, GH)

Why It Matters: Poor water chemistry can stress fish and make them more sensitive to TERMINATE's active ingredients. pH swings are especially dangerous.

How It Helps: A 25% water change replenishes KH (carbonate hardness) and stabilizes pH. This makes the water chemistry more stable, so fish are less stressed during treatment.

8. Why Skipping the 25% Water Change is a Mistake

• Reduced Effectiveness: Organic matter binds to TERMINATE's active ingredients, weakening its ability to kill parasites.
• Increased Fish Stress: Without fresh water, fish are more stressed, and parasites are harder to eliminate.
• Parasite Load Stays High: Without removing parasites and eggs from the water, there are more parasites to infect fish.
• Lower Oxygen Levels: TERMINATE lowers oxygen levels. Without a water change, oxygen could drop too low, causing fish to gasp for air.

How to Do the 25% Water Change

• Use Dechlorinated Water: If using tap water, treat it with a dechlorinator like H2O Neutralizer to remove chlorine and chloramines.
• Vacuum the Pond Floor: Remove debris from the bottom of the pond to eliminate excess organic material.
• Avoid Large pH Swings: If the pH of the source water is different from the pond, do the water change slowly to prevent pH shock.
• Increase Aeration: During the water change, increase aeration to maintain oxygen levels for fish.

Summary of Why a 25% Water Change is Important

Final Takeaway: The 25% water change is not optional. It removes organics, toxins, stress hormones, and parasites while improving oxygen, pH, and water chemistry. This makes TERMINATE more effective and reduces fish stress. Skipping this step can weaken the treatment and put your fish at risk.

What If You Can’t Do a 25% Water Change Before Using TERMINATE?

For large ponds or situations where a water change isn't possible, it's not the end of the world. TERMINATE can still be effective, but there are some important steps to take and potential risks to be aware of.

1. Potential Risks of Skipping the Water Change

1. Reduced Effectiveness of TERMINATE

Why It Happens: Organic material (like fish waste, leaves, and algae) binds to TERMINATE's active ingredients, reducing its effectiveness.

What to Do:

• Manually remove leaves, algae, and debris from the pond bottom with a pond vacuum or net.
• Increase aeration to keep debris from settling at the pond bottom.
• Consider increasing the dosage slightly, but avoid overdosing to protect fish health.

2. Increased Fish Stress

Why It Happens: Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate can build up in ponds without water changes, leading to poor water quality and fish stress.

What to Do:

• Reduce fish feeding before and during treatment to minimize waste production.
• Use a detoxifier like H2O Neutralizer to reduce ammonia and nitrite levels.
• Test water for ammonia, nitrite, and pH before treatment. If ammonia is high, use an ammonia detoxifier before using TERMINATE.

3. Reduced Oxygen Levels

Why It Happens: TERMINATE contains formalin, which consumes oxygen as it reacts in the water. Low oxygen can stress fish, causing them to gasp at the surface.

What to Do:

• Use air stones, waterfalls, or air pumps to boost oxygen levels in the pond.
• Clean pond filters to ensure they are working efficiently.
• Consider using oxygen tablets or oxygen boosters in heavily stocked ponds.

4. Higher Parasite Load

Why It Happens: A water change removes parasite eggs and free-swimming parasites from the water. Without it, a higher population of parasites is present during treatment.

What to Do:

• Extend the treatment period from 3 days to 4-5 days for complete parasite elimination.
• Use a pond vacuum to remove debris and parasites from the pond bottom before treatment.
• Consider using a UV sterilizer to kill free-swimming parasites as they pass through the water column.

5. Residual Chemicals (Salt, Other Meds) in the Water

Why It Happens: Residual salt, antibiotics, and other water conditioners can interfere with the effectiveness of TERMINATE.

What to Do:

• Test the pond for salt levels using a salinity meter. If salt is present, reduce it if possible.
• Avoid using other medications or treatments while using TERMINATE.
• Do not use chloramine-based dechlorinators with TERMINATE as they may react with formalin.

2. Key Steps to Follow If You Can’t Do a Water Change

1. Monitor Fish Behavior

• Watch for gasping at the surface, clamped fins, and erratic swimming.
• Increase aeration if signs of stress appear.

2. Test Water Parameters

Check water for:

• Ammonia (NH3): Should be 0 ppm. If high, use an ammonia detoxifier before treatment.
• Nitrite (NO2): Should be 0 ppm. If high, use a detoxifier like H2O Neutralizer.
• pH: Should be stable (typically between 6.5 - 8.0) to avoid pH shock.

3. Increase Aeration

Use air stones, waterfalls, or an aeration pump to increase oxygen levels in the pond. This prevents oxygen depletion caused by formalin and supports fish health during treatment.

4. Remove Debris

Use a pond vacuum or net to remove leaves, algae, and detritus from the pond bottom. This reduces organic matter that could bind to TERMINATE and affect its potency.

5. Consider Extending the Treatment

If you can’t do a water change, consider extending the treatment period from 3 days to 4-5 days. This ensures that all parasites (even those in cyst or egg form) are eliminated.

3. Risk Summary: What Happens If You Skip the Water Change?

4. Final Advice

If you cannot do a 25% water change before using TERMINATE, it's not the end of the world. However, you should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to mitigate them. Here’s a quick recap of what to do:

• Monitor fish behavior for signs of stress (gasping, clamped fins, erratic swimming).
• Test water for ammonia, nitrite, and pH. Use detoxifiers if necessary.
• Increase aeration with air stones, waterfalls, or air pumps.
• Remove debris from the pond bottom with a vacuum or skimmer.
• Consider extending the treatment period from 3 days to 4-5 days to ensure all parasites are killed.

While it’s best to do a water change before treatment, it’s not always possible with large ponds. By following these precautions, you can still achieve an effective treatment while protecting fish health.