Absolute Wormer Fish Powder Medication, 5G

Absolute Wormer is a powder medication for freshwater and saltwater fish. Its main active ingredient is flubendazole. One 5 GRAMS container treats 600 GALLONS, according to the title. It is aimed at fluke and worm problems in fish like discus and angelfish.

What it targets

• Gill flukes and body flukes
• Intestinal worms, including tapeworm and nematodes (roundworms)
• Camallanus and Capillaria nematodes
• Planaria (flatworms)
• Metacercaria, Sanguinicola and intestinal protozoa

How flubendazole differs

The maker says it works differently from other fluke treatments by starving the parasite. That gives keepers an alternative when praziquantel, such as PraziPro, has not cleared a problem, or for worms praziquantel does not cover, such as Camallanus.

Using it

Remove activated carbon for full effect. The maker says it will not harm plants or chemical filtration, can be used with other medications, and that UV sterilizers can stay on. It also says it has very little effect on pH.

A warning about snails and inverts

The maker notes it is effective at eradicating pest snails. That means it will also kill snails you want, such as nerites or mystery snails. Benzimidazole compounds like flubendazole can also harm shrimp and other invertebrates. Treat in a hospital tank if you keep them.

Fish compatibility

The listing says it is harmless to most freshwater tropical fish and safe for most saltwater fish. “Most” is the key word: observe sensitive species closely, and start with a hospital tank when unsure.

After treatment

Do a partial water change, refit carbon and watch for a return of symptoms over the next weeks. Worm eggs can survive, so a repeat course per the label may be needed.

Prevention

Quarantine new fish and avoid feeding live foods from unknown sources, which can carry worms. A separate quarantine setup with a sponge filter keeps things simple.