TERMINATE Instructions

Use these directions when treating with Aqua Meds® TERMINATE™ by itself. TERMINATE is normally given as three total treatments approximately 24 hours apart.

Dosage

100 mL of TERMINATE per 1,000 gallons of pond water per treatment.

Accurate pond volume is important. Do not estimate or intentionally increase the dosage.

Before You Begin

• Increase aeration and water circulation throughout the treatment period.
• Turn off UV sterilizers and ozone.
• Remove activated carbon and other chemical filtration media.
• Leave normal biological filtration running.
• Avoid using salt during treatment. If salt is already present, the level should not exceed 0.05%.
• Do not combine TERMINATE with other medications when following this TERMINATE-only treatment protocol.

Day 1 – First Treatment

1. Perform a 25% or larger water change.
2. If replacement water contains chlorine or chloramine, treat it with a simple sodium thiosulfate-based dechlorinator such as Aqua Meds® Just Dechlor™ or Aqua Meds® Armor™.
3. Add 100 mL of TERMINATE per 1,000 gallons of pond water.
4. Maintain strong aeration and circulation.

Day 2 – Second Treatment

Approximately 24 hours after the first treatment:

1. Perform another 25% or larger water change.
2. Treat replacement water for chlorine or chloramine with a compatible sodium thiosulfate-based dechlorinator if necessary.
3. Add a second full dose of 100 mL of TERMINATE per 1,000 gallons.
4. Continue strong aeration and circulation.

Day 3 – Third and Final Treatment

Approximately 24 hours after the second treatment:

1. Perform another 25% or larger water change.
2. Treat replacement water for chlorine or chloramine with a compatible sodium thiosulfate-based dechlorinator if necessary.
3. Add the third and final dose of 100 mL of TERMINATE per 1,000 gallons.
4. Continue strong aeration and circulation.

Water Conditioner Compatibility

When replacement water contains chlorine or chloramine, use a simple sodium thiosulfate-based dechlorinator such as Aqua Meds® Just Dechlor™ or Aqua Meds® Armor™. Avoid water conditioners that bind or detoxify ammonia or sulfoxylate-based water conditioner formulas during TERMINATE treatment, as they may interfere with the treatment chemistry.

After Treatment

After the third TERMINATE treatment, normal pond maintenance may be resumed as needed. Continue to observe the fish and monitor water quality, including ammonia and nitrite.

Important: TERMINATE should be used as a total of three treatments. If you are using the shortened 10–12 hour treatment schedule or combining TERMINATE with Aqua Prazi™ or FlukeGuard™, follow the separate instructions for that treatment protocol.

Always read and follow the product label before use. TERMINATE is for ornamental fish only and is not for use on fish intended for human consumption.

Important: When using the shortened 10–12 hour treatment interval, a 25% or larger water change between every treatment is very important. Be prepared to perform a larger water change if the fish show signs of stress.

1. First Treatment:
   • Water Change: Perform a 25% or larger water change before treatment.
   • Dosage: Add 100 mL of TERMINATE per 1,000 gallons of pond water.
   • Aeration: Increase aeration and water circulation, if possible.
   • Observation: Watch your fish closely for the first hour for signs of stress, including staying at the surface, gasping for air, or clamped fins.
2. Second Treatment (10–12 Hours Later):
   • Water Change: Perform a 25% or larger water change before re-treatment.
   • Dosage: Add 100 mL of TERMINATE per 1,000 gallons of pond water.
   • Aeration: Continue increased aeration and water circulation.
   • Observation: Continue to monitor your fish for any signs of stress.
3. Third and Final Treatment (10–12 Hours Later):
   • Water Change: Perform a 25% or larger water change before the final treatment.
   • Dosage: Add 100 mL of TERMINATE per 1,000 gallons of pond water.
   • Aeration: Continue increased aeration and water circulation.
   • Observation: Continue to monitor your fish for any signs of stress.
4. After the Final Treatment:
   • Pond Maintenance: Resume normal pond maintenance as needed after completing the treatment series.
   • Storage: Store TERMINATE at a temperature between 50°F and 110°F.

Instructions for Using TERMINATE With Aqua-Prazi

Alternate Aqua Meds Protocol: When treating for both common protozoan parasites and flukes, Aqua-Prazi may be combined with the third and final TERMINATE treatment as described below.

• Day 1:
  • Water Change: Perform a 25% or larger water change before treatment.
  • Dosage: Add 100 mL of TERMINATE per 1,000 gallons of pond water.
  • Aeration: Increase aeration and water circulation, if possible.
• Day 2 (Approximately 24 Hours Later):
  • Water Change: Perform another 25% or larger water change before re-treatment.
  • Dosage: Add 100 mL of TERMINATE per 1,000 gallons of pond water.
  • Aeration: Continue increased aeration and water circulation.
• Day 3 (Approximately 24 Hours Later):
  • Water Change: Perform another 25% or larger water change before the final treatment.
  • Preparation: In a clean container, combine:
    • 100 mL of TERMINATE per 1,000 gallons of pond water
    • 10 grams of Aqua-Prazi per 1,000 gallons of pond water
    Mix thoroughly until the Aqua-Prazi is well dispersed.
  • Application: Distribute the mixture around the pond in areas of good water circulation so it disperses evenly throughout the system.
  • Aeration: Continue increased aeration and water circulation.
• After the Day 3 TERMINATE + Aqua-Prazi Treatment:
  • Water Changes: Do not perform water changes for 5 full days so the Aqua-Prazi remains in the pond and has adequate contact time.
  • Pond Maintenance: Avoid routine pond maintenance that would remove or significantly dilute the Aqua-Prazi during this 5-day period.
• Second Aqua-Prazi Treatment:
  • Timing: After the first Aqua-Prazi treatment has remained in the pond for 5 full days, perform a 25% water change.
  • Dosage: Add a second full dose of Aqua-Prazi at 10 grams per 1,000 gallons of pond water.
  • Mixing: TERMINATE is not needed with the second Aqua-Prazi treatment. A small amount of rubbing alcohol may be used to help wet and disperse the Aqua-Prazi before adding it to the pond.
• Storage:
  • Store TERMINATE at a temperature between 50°F and 110°F.
  • Store Aqua-Prazi in a cool, dry location in its tightly closed original container.

Note: The TERMINATE and Aqua-Prazi combination provides broad-spectrum treatment for many common protozoan parasites and skin and gill flukes. Always know your true pond volume and measure each treatment accurately.

Instructions for Using Terminate™ With FlukeGuard™

Alternate Aqua Meds Protocol: When treating for both common protozoan parasites and flukes, FlukeGuard™ may be combined with the third and final Terminate™ treatment as described below.

• Day 1:
  • Water Change: Perform a 25% or larger water change before treatment.
  • Dosage: Add 100 mL of Terminate™ per 1,000 gallons of pond water.
  • Aeration: Increase aeration and water circulation, if possible.
• Day 2 (Approximately 24 Hours Later):
  • Water Change: Perform another 25% or larger water change before treatment.
  • Dosage: Add 100 mL of Terminate™ per 1,000 gallons of pond water.
  • Aeration: Continue increased aeration and water circulation.
• Day 3 (Approximately 24 Hours Later):
  • Water Change: Perform another 25% or larger water change before the final treatment.
  • Preparation: In a clean container, combine:
    • 100 mL of Terminate™ per 1,000 gallons of pond water
    • 3 grams of FlukeGuard™ per 1,000 gallons of pond water
    Mix thoroughly until the FlukeGuard™ is well dispersed.
  • Application: Distribute the mixture around the pond in areas of good water circulation so it disperses evenly throughout the system.
  • Aeration: Maintain strong aeration and water circulation.
• After the Day 3 Terminate™ + FlukeGuard™ Treatment:
  • Water Changes: Do not perform water changes for 5 full days after the combined treatment.
  • Pond Maintenance: Avoid routine pond maintenance that would remove or significantly dilute the FlukeGuard™ during this 5-day period.
  • Aeration: Continue good aeration and water circulation.

Water Conditioner Compatibility

When treating replacement water containing chlorine or chloramine, use a simple sodium thiosulfate-based dechlorinator such as Aqua Meds® Just Dechlor™ or Aqua Meds® Armor™. Avoid water conditioners that bind or detoxify ammonia or sulfoxylate-based water conditioner formulas during Terminate™ treatment, as they may interfere with the treatment chemistry.

Additional Treatment Notes

• Run normal biological filtration and maintain good water circulation throughout treatment.
• Turn off UV sterilizers and ozone during treatment.
• Remove activated carbon and other chemical filtration media.
• Avoid using salt during Terminate™ treatment. If salt is already present, the level should not exceed 0.05%.
• Use only at water temperatures of 50°F or higher.

Storage

• Store Terminate™ between 50°F and 110°F.
• Store FlukeGuard™ in a cool, dry location in its tightly closed original container.

Note: The Terminate™ and FlukeGuard™ combination provides broad-spectrum treatment for many common protozoan parasites, external fungus, and skin and gill flukes. Always know your true pond volume and measure each treatment accurately.

Precautions When Using TERMINATE

1. Monitor Fish for Signs of Stress

• Watch for Symptoms: Fish may show signs of stress during treatment, especially when using the shortened 10–12 hour dosing interval. 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, Other Medications, or Incompatible Water Conditioners

• Why It Matters: Salt, other medications, and certain water conditioner chemistries may interfere with TERMINATE treatment or increase stress on fish.
• What to Do:
  • Avoid using salt during TERMINATE treatment. If salt is already present, the salt level should not exceed 0.05%.
  • Do not combine TERMINATE with other medications unless explicitly instructed to do so, such as the Aqua Meds® TERMINATE and Aqua Prazi™ treatment protocol.
  • When treating replacement water containing chlorine or chloramine, use a simple sodium thiosulfate-based dechlorinator such as Aqua Meds® Just Dechlor™ or Aqua Meds® Armor™.
  • Avoid water conditioners that bind or detoxify ammonia or sulfoxylate-based water conditioner formulas during TERMINATE treatment, as they may interfere with the treatment chemistry.

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: TERMINATE is safe for established biological filtration when used as directed. UV sterilizers, carbon, and other chemical filtration media may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
• What to Do:
  • Leave normal biological filtration and circulation operating during treatment.
  • Turn off UV sterilizers and remove activated carbon and other chemical filtration media during treatment.
  • Continue to monitor ammonia and nitrite levels throughout treatment.

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 such as graduated containers.
  • Do not "eyeball" doses — always measure accurately.

7. Perform a Water Change Before Each Treatment

• Why It Matters: Water changes help maintain good water quality and prepare the pond for each TERMINATE treatment.
• What to Do:
  • Perform a 25% or larger water change before each of the three TERMINATE treatments, including the third treatment.
  • Treat replacement water for chlorine or chloramine with a compatible sodium thiosulfate-based dechlorinator when necessary.
  • After the final TERMINATE treatment, normal pond maintenance may be resumed as needed.
  • If using the Aqua Meds® TERMINATE and Aqua Prazi™ treatment protocol, follow the Aqua Prazi™ water-change schedule after the combined treatment.

8. Store TERMINATE Properly

• Why It Matters: Proper storage helps ensure the product remains effective for future use.
• What to Do:
  • Store TERMINATE between 50°F and 110°F (10°C–43°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 the respiratory system.
• What to Do:
  • Wear gloves and avoid direct contact with skin.
  • Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes.
  • Use TERMINATE in a well-ventilated area and avoid breathing vapors or mist.

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

Reason	What Happens Without Water Change?	How the 25% Water Change Helps
Organic Load	TERMINATE binds to organics, reducing potency.	Removes organics so TERMINATE works at full strength.
Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate	Fish stress increases due to toxic ammonia and nitrite.	Reduces toxic nitrogen compounds, improving water quality.
Oxygen Depletion	Oxygen drops, causing fish to gasp for air.	Replenishes oxygen, supporting fish health during treatment.
Parasite Load	Parasites reproduce and reinfect fish.	Removes parasites and eggs from the water.
Residual Chemicals	Residual salt or meds interfere with TERMINATE's action.	Removes residual salt and other chemical residues.
Fish Stress Hormones	Stress hormones build up, stressing all the fish.	Removes stress hormones, calming fish in the pond.
Water Chemistry	pH swings cause fish stress and gill irritation.	Balances pH, KH, and GH, providing a stable environment.

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?

Risk	What Happens Without Water Change?	How to Compensate
Lower TERMINATE Strength	Organic debris binds to TERMINATE, reducing effectiveness.	Remove debris manually and increase dosage slightly (but not too much).
Higher Parasite Load	Parasites are not physically removed from the pond water.	Extend the treatment period from 3 days to 4-5 days.
Oxygen Depletion	TERMINATE reduces oxygen levels, which can cause fish to gasp for air.	Increase aeration with air stones, waterfalls, or an aeration pump.
Water Quality Issues	Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate build up, stressing fish.	Reduce fish feeding, use ammonia detoxifiers, and clean filters.

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.