ProForm-C is the very best (and one of the last legally available) broad spectrum malachite green & formalin treatments. It is formulated differently than any other malachite green & aldehyde mix. Malachite green and formalin are two drugs that are more effective in combination than if used individually. This is the definition of synergism. These two drugs are also less toxic in combination than if used individually, What makes ProForm-C the preeminent product in this field is the fact it is formulated with malachite green chloride, while all other MG&F products use the oxalate salt form which is more toxic than the chloride form.

The benefits of ProForm-C:

* The safest and most effective treatment for the control of diseases caused by Ichthyophthirius (ich), Costia, Trichodina, Chilodonella, Oodinium and fungal infections.

* The ONLY MG&F treatment that can be used in water temperatures as low as 50 degrees (F), thus allowing you to treat in early Spring and late Fall. All other MG&F treatments can NOT be used below 62 degrees (F).

* Treatment is DAILY. Most other MG&F treatments are dosed once every three days. Dosing daily allows you to complete the treatment in 3 days instead of 9 days.

* You do NOT need to bypass your bio-filters which allows a more comprehensive treatment of the entire pond system.

* Less toxic to koi and goldfish than any other MG&F product on the market.

Unlike almost every other aldehyde-containing medication, Proform-C can be shipped NON-HAZMAT legally anywhere in the U.S.

Click here to view the Product Data Sheet

Available in quarts (treats a 3,200 gallon system three times) and gallons (treats a 12,800 gallon system three times).

Q: Dear Sir, Is double dosing for flukes with Proform-C doubling the dose or amount used over three treatments or is it doing six treatments with the normal dose on the label ? Also, do I have to wait for a certain amount of time before adding Koizyme?Do I have to do a water change after the last Proform-C treatment before adding the Koizyme?

A: Double dose Proform C is at YOUR discretion. Just because I do it routinely, does not represent a "recommendation" on my part. Sometimes, within the context of a valid and knowledgeable relationship with a customer, I formally recommend 150% dosing to them. But that's once I "fully understand" about how big the pond is, prevailing temperatures, numbers of fish, parasite target, etc. So, if *you* double dose, it's on your dime. HOWEVER, double dose means calculating the recommended dose, and using TWICE AS MUCH not twice as often or twice as long. So, yours is a good question. And sometimes it *is* necesary to double the dose of the Proform C when dealing with some stubborn parasites. I don't (ever) double dose without doing a water change at the 120 minute mark. Just like regular Formalin. ~ Doc Johnson.

Q: Is this safe to use on goldfish, can you use it after a pp treatment where there is hydrogen peroxide in the water?

A: Proform C is safe to use with goldfish, no troubles. Use at label concentrations for best results. do not double dose on Goldfish. If the fish appear stressed, perform a water change after treatment. Proform C can be used after a PP treatment even if there is hydrogen peroxide in the tank. No worries. ~ Doc Johnson

Q: The ProForm-C Product Data Sheet says "Do not use ProForm-C™ with any other drugs or treatments (this includes salt treatment).", and the bottle itself has an additional label that says "Do not use with salt levels over 0.05%". In answering another ProForm-C question, Doc Johnson says, "You should reduce the salt level to 0.3% or lower before using Formalin in the pond because Formalin reduces the amount of oxygen in the pond and salt causes the gills to slime up more; reducing their ability (slightly) to pick up that oxygen. I have used Formalin and 0.3% salt many times together with no problem - but not higher. " Which is correct, and why? Another item on the ProForm-C label is: "Do not use with sulfinate- or sulfoxylate-based water conditioners." Which water conditioners do, and do not, contain these products? TIA

A: KoiLab is going to elucidate the Formalin and Salt "thing" but in the meantime you have to regard the label, and my notes as, er, "both" ---> In other words, will you follow the label, or follow what I am saying. If the fish are really valuable and you might want someone to sue, follow the label! Otherwise, knowing that Proform C is Formalin and Malachite Green, and that I have safely combined them at 0.3 percent, then you have to make your own judgement and take your own risks.

Amquel is the "sulfinate and sulfoxylate water conditioner" they are referring to.

Off topic: (People are basically overpaying for adehydes, they could as easily treat with ~5 ppm Formalin and get a similar effect. But, if you're already dosing with Proform C, PLUS the dilute aldehydes left by sulfinate and sulfoxylate water conditioners, you've got an aldehyde "issue" which could have ramifications to fish and filter.

We (PondRx) do not sell Amquel, and never will.

Q: I have what appear to be leeches in a koi/goldfish pond. The "leeches" are about 1 - 2 inches long by 3/16 wide. Greyish black. Flat. They like to attach to _me_ if I wade in the pond to clean it. Also, there are small (1/8") long parasites which I can't tell if they are immature leeches or something else. Can you recommend a site to help me in identifying the parasites with more certainty? If there are leeches, what can you sell me to get rid of them. Thank you.

A: Leeches can be controlled with Malathion. There are dosing instructions in the book we sell. It's a lot of detail I can't fit on this small space.

Doc Johnson

Q: Can I use Proform-c and Melafix at the same time? Thanks Jim

A: There'd be no reason. For best results, you would use Proform C and clear off any parasites that might be troubling the fish, perhaps at that point, perform a small or large water change to remove the irritating Proform C and THEN put in the balming Melafix.

Doc Johnson

Q: Can this porduct be used in a pond with water lillies and cory catfish? I am having trouble with ich in my pond and have not had good luck removing the fish from the pond and treating, most of them have died.

A: Salt is better for Ich than this product, because salt is "resident" and will not dissipate the way Proform C will. For most other ciliates, with a partial water change after treatment, Proform C is better - but for your specific case, salt would be a better choice. Most (not all) species of catfish will survive salting, but Brokis britskii will definitely not. Lilies can be harmed by salt. Hardy species (not tropical) will survive salt better.

Q: How would you compare this product to "PP" as far as being a broad spectrum treatment for parasites and is it gentler on the fish? Can you use Proform C with salt in the pond?

A: I think PP would be gentler - and more effective in many instances, but still, with Costia and a few other things, Proform C is irreplaceable. So, there's choices. And judgement calls.

You should reduce the salt level to 0.3% or lower before using Formalin in the pond because Formalin reduces the amount of oxygen in the pond and salt causes the gills to slime up more; reducing their ability (slightly) to pick up that oxygen. I have used Formalin and 0.3% salt many times together with no problem - but not higher.

Doc Johnson - Pondrx.com

Q: What is the shelf life of ProForm C? Is this a medication to stock for future use, or is it one that is best acquired when a need arises?

A: There's several things to consider;

1. How fast you can really expect to get it when you need it, and with Pondrx.com you can get stuff overnight most of the time.

2. How fast would you really need it? For example, if you're prone to getting new fish all the time, you will probably need this, all the time. If you aren't a revolving door of new fish, then this would be one you could leave with us, and order when needed.

3. Will Proform C be available in a year if and when you need it? I don't know. FDA and EPA are nailing down medicine after medicine, so here today, gone tomorrow, but that's not a forecast, just an observation.

Personally, I don't think people should have Formalin handy. Just know where to get it fast. It's a sensitive product and so let the retailer have it until you need it.

Doc Johnson-Pondrx.com

Q: In the info for ProForm C it states that 1 quart will treat 3200 gallons 3X. Does this mean It will take the whole quart for the 3 days of treatment or will it do 3 separate treatments of 3 days each? Thanks Merry Thy

A: What that means is that one quart of Proform C will, according to LABEL instructions; treat 10,000 gallons once. Or one thousand gallons ten times. Most formalin (Proform C) treatments should be repeated. So, how many treatments do you want? I usually like three rounds -

So, if you had a two thousand gallon pond, a quart would basically be relied on to treat the pond five times, if you wanted five treatments.

Don't get confused - If you're pond was three thousand gallons, and you wanted three "rounds" of Proform C - then the quart is the bottle for you to buy.

Doc Johnson - Pondrx.com

Q: I was planning on using this with Prazi, is it also ok to have 0.3% salt at the same time?

A: Salt is okay in my experience. However, if the outcome of the Proform C requires a water change, piping or pinking fish for example, then you've wasted the Prazi. So, perhaps it would be better to treat with the Proform C, finish it out, and then the Prazi NOT concurrently. Otherwise, money being no object, Prazi and Proform C are perfectly safe and compatible. Salt and prazi are fine, too. And I have used Proform C and low level salt (0.3%) together although the manufacturer suggest that you don't. ~ Dr. Erik Johnson

Q: Will the malachite green in this product cause discoloring of pots, plants, etc in the pond and filter system. If so how do you get rid of the coloring? Is there any other formalin products that do not discolor? Does your product damage the bacterial base of your filter system?

A: Malachite Green (a component in ProForm C) can stain certain textiles and surfaces. Care should be taken around light colored, porous surfaces. Rocks may stain but will bleach back by the sun. Certain plastics may stain. However, so far, I (ELJ) have experienced no staining of any container or appliance in treated ponds, coolers, or containers.

The only Formalin that will not stain is pure Formalin, which is illegal to ship anymore.

Dosed high enough, (for example, double dosing) this product will affect beneficial nitrogen reducing bacteria AND will require a water change to avoid burns on the fish.

Dosed single strength, or in ponds with lots of plants, the filter effect is nominal. By the same token, in those very same ponds, failures to eradicate parasites have also been noted on occasion because the soil, plants and "organics" associated with bog gardens neutralize the Formalin in the Proform C

~ Dr. Erik Johnson

Q: My pond Fish have white cottony spots on their backs and also fins and tails are waisting away. I have tried salt baths, will this product work?

A: Proform C, plus gentle and gently applied heat, plus medicated food, should fit together to give you superb results.

Doc Johnson