A powerful oxidizer used in koi ponds for decades. Effective in cold water. Easy to misuse.
Potassium permanganate is a deep purple crystalline compound used as a strong oxidizer. It reacts with organic material and exposed organisms while it remains active.
PP is best thought of as a system-level oxidizer that also has parasite benefits. It is commonly used against exposed ciliate parasites such as Ichthyophthirius, Trichodina, Chilodonella, and Epistylis.
PP is one of the few pond treatments that remains usable in very cold water, when many other medications are limited.
While PP can affect flukes at higher concentrations with repeated treatments, most keepers find targeted medications easier and safer to use.
Potassium permanganate can be purchased in many places. Pond-specific formulations such as Aqua Meds Eliminate are intended to reduce unknowns related to grade, storage, and handling.