eSHa HEXAMITA : targeted treatment against hole-in-the-head disease
Hole-in-the-head disease ("hole-in-the-head" or HITH) mainly affects discus, angelfish, African cichlids and South American cichlids. It is caused by the parasite Hexamita, an intestinal flagellate that then migrates to the skin and digs small cavities on the forehead and along the lateral line. eSHa HEXAMITA is the European reference treatment to fight this parasite at its root.
🦠 Targeted action on Hexamita
The eSHa HEXAMITA formula works in two stages : it first eliminates the intestinal form of the parasite, then stops its migration to the skin tissues. Healing of the cavities is then supported by a complementary course of eSHa OPTIMA to strengthen the immune system.
The product contains copper, so it is essential to strictly follow the dosage and avoid any overdose, which would be toxic for sensitive fish.
⚡ Dosage and protocol
The standard course lasts 3 consecutive days at 25 drops per 100 L once a day. For a 300 L discus tank, count 75 drops a day for 3 days, i.e. about 11 ml of product used. The 20 ml bottle is enough for 2 complete courses.
Reduce feeding on day 1, then half a portion on day 2, with gradual resumption over the following 3 days. This allows sick fish to absorb the treatment better.
🛡️ Safety and compatibility
eSHa HEXAMITA is well tolerated by aquatic plants and the biological filter. However, because of its copper content, it is not recommended for tanks with ornamental shrimp (Neocaridina, Caridina) and snails, which must be removed.
Before each treatment, remove the activated carbon, absorbent resins, UV and oxidisers from the filter. These media absorb the active ingredient and cancel the product's effectiveness. The biological filter (sponges, ceramics) and the pump stay running.
For ornamental fish only. Do not use for fish intended for human consumption.
📊 Technical specifications
- Brand : eSHa Labs (Netherlands)
- Type : intestinal antiparasitic (Hexamita)
- Format : 20 ml dropper bottle
- Capacity : up to 800 L (4 courses of 200 L)
- Dosage : 25 drops / 100 L / day for 3 days
- Active ingredient : contains copper
- Target audience : discus, angelfish, cichlids
- Plant and filter compatibility : yes
- Shrimp compatibility : ⚠️ not recommended (copper)
- Snail compatibility : ⚠️ to be removed
- Possible combinations : eSHa GDEX, eSHa EXIT
- Manufacturing : Netherlands
🛠️ Practical guide
Setup : remove carbon, resins and UV 24 h beforehand. Move shrimp and snails to a separate tank. Check the oxygenation.
Typical use : 25 drops per 100 L a day for 3 days, in the filter flow. Keep a stable temperature of 28-29 °C for discus.
Mistakes to avoid : NEVER overdose (copper toxicity), do not combine with a product from another brand, do not use on fish for consumption.
Maintenance : after the course, a 30% water change, put the activated carbon back, followed by a course of eSHa OPTIMA for 2 weeks to support immunity.
