eSHa GASTROBAC : veterinary treatment against bacterial slime disease
Slime disease (bacterial slime disease) is a bacterial infection of the mucus layer of freshwater fish. It shows as a milky whitish deposit on the skin and gills, often accompanied by breathing difficulties and apathetic behaviour. eSHa GASTROBAC is a veterinary medicine formulated in the Netherlands to treat this condition specifically.
🦠 Origin and mechanism
Slime disease is caused by a bacterial proliferation on the mucus layer, usually triggered by a build-up of dead organic matter in the tank (uneaten food, decaying plants, clogged filter). Opportunistic bacteria settle in the mucus and cause an inflammatory reaction.
eSHa GASTROBAC contains copper as its main active ingredient. It acts quickly on the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria responsible for the overproduction of mucus, while remaining gentle on the biological filter.
⚡ Dosage and course
The 10 ml bottle is enough to treat up to 500 L over a standard 3-day course. Dosage : 25 drops per 100 L per day. Shake the bottle well before each application and apply in the filter's flow area.
During the course, halve the feeding to limit the organic build-up that triggered the infection. Carry out a large 30% water change 24 h after the end of the course.
🛡️ Safety and compatibility
eSHa GASTROBAC is well tolerated by shrimp, aquatic plants and the biological filter. However, its copper content is toxic to snails and gastropods : Neritina, ramshorn, apple snails and Tylomelania must be removed from the tank before treatment.
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 stays running.
For ornamental fish only. Do not use on fish intended for human consumption.
📊 Technical specifications
- Brand : eSHa Labs (Netherlands)
- Type : antibacterial against slime disease
- Format : 10 ml dropper bottle
- Capacity : up to 500 L (2 courses of 250 L)
- Dosage : 25 drops / 100 L / day for 3 days
- Active ingredient : contains copper
- Fish compatibility : tropical freshwater and coldwater
- Shrimp compatibility : yes
- Snail compatibility : ⚠️ remove (copper)
- Plant and filter compatibility : excellent
- Made in : Netherlands
🛠️ Practical guide
Setup : remove activated carbon and UV 24 h before. Move the snails to a separate tank. Siphon the waste from the bottom.
Typical use : 25 drops per 100 L per day for 3 days, after light feeding. Shake well before each dose.
Mistakes to avoid : do not overdose (copper), do not keep the snails in the tank, do not use in seawater.
Aftercare : after the course, a 30% water change, siphon the residues, put the carbon back, then an OPTIMA course for 1 week.
