medication question

[Fishywishy]

I bought some new fish.

Can I treat melafix (antibacterial) at the same time as (pimafix)? Or do I need to treat with one and then the other?

I can see bacterial fin rot, every fish I've ever got from this fish store has had some sort of fungal growth....which is why as precautionary before adding them to my tanks I want to treat for both fungus and bacterial, but I don't want to harm them as they are just wee babies (but such beautiful markings)

err..yeah they're in a 10gal hospital tank, baby angels

 

[Fishywishy]

omg it's been 15 minutes and there aren't at least 4 replys.......it must be a record!!

 

[Mountain Dewd]

sorry for the delay in replying to your question.

*thumbsups

Keep up the good work!

 

[Fishywishy]

actually.......I .....umm.....read the bottle.......YES, I can.

NM, carry on, nothing to see!

 

[Mountain Dewd]

Darn those sneaky manufacturers who put details on the bottles! Shouldnt be allowed! Its going to be the death of these forums I tell you!

 

[Helena21]

Yep you can use them together

 

[christinap]

I don't know hun! I don't want to give bad advice. Sorry hun!


OH I see where you read the bottle.......lol Good job!

 

[Purple]

melafix is a tonic - not a cure - and if it does anything (debatable) it aint gonna cure a real problem

Fin rot is usually fungal - not bacterial - but can lead to bacterial infections later.

If you really have a problem - find a med that treats both fungal and bacterial (secondary) infections together

(PS - your LFS sounds like a rescue centre)

 

[Fishywishy]

Fin rot
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Fin rot is a symptom of disease in fish; it is not hard to treat, and the fish usually will survive. Most common in the fancy varieties of goldfish and Bettas, fin rot can occur as a result of an injury, as a secondary infection once the fish has been weakened by another disease, or in some cases, as a primary infection (bacterial (Pseudomonas fluorescens) ).

Fin rot can be the result of a bacterial infection (which causes a more ragged rotting), or as a fungal infection (which rots the tail more evenly and is more likely to produce a white 'edge'). Sometimes, both types of infection are seen together. Infection is commonly brought on by bad water conditions, injury, poor diet, or outwintering fancy goldfish (who should live in warmer temperatures).

Fin rot starts at the edge of the fins, and destroys more and more tissue until it reaches the fin base. If it does reach the fin base, the fish will never be able to regenerate the lost tissue. At this point, the disease may attack the fish's body directly.

[edit] Treatments for fin rot

Fungus: For fish large enough to handle, catch the fish, and dab malachite green directly on the fungus with a cotton swab. This is extremely effective. Repeat treatments may be necessary.

Bacterial: Antibiotic treatment in a quarantine tank. This is stressful for the fish, and doesn't always work, so be sure of what you are doing before you attempt it. If the fish is still eating, the best bet is an antibiotic food.

[edit] Fin rot prevention

With very few exceptions, virtually all cases are precipitated by stress, fear or poor environmental conditions.

Melafix = 1% Melaleuca

Scientific studies have shown that tea tree oil made from Melaleuca alternifolia is a highly effective topical antibacterial and antifungal, although it may be toxic when ingested internally in large doses or by children. In rare cases, topical products can be absorbed by the skin and result in toxicity.

The oils of Melaleuca can be found in organic solutions of medication that claims to eliminate warts, including the Human papillomavirus. No scientific evidence proves this claim (reference: "Forces of Nature: Warts No More").

Melaleuca oils are the active ingredient in Burn-Aid, a popular minor burn first aid treatment (an offshoot of the brandname Band-Aid

I'm not putting this up here to say you're wrong. It's just that in my research and previous problems with buying fish at this store..... I really need a both antifungal and antibacterial (and quite possibly anti-parasite too) medication for the best chance of survival for these little guys. The rot doesn't look even which is why I'm looking at it as a bacterial fin rot. Melafix is sold more as antibacterial and pimafix is sold more as antifungal......so I am doing as you suggested as I do see these medications as being effective.(I wish I could show you some before and after pictures of fish I have managed to save from this store, using these medications)

Just to clarify how bad this (Petsmart) fish store is, in the tank with the angels I got was an angel that looked as though the fish had survived brain surgery. It literally had a healed dip between its eyes and top fin in the shape of a half moon. It was huge for the size of fish it was the size of a two capital "U's" put together in one big dip. (I almost took a picture of it with my phone)

 

[christinap]

I can't really offer any input here but this

I used Melafin as directed, 1 dose. The next day my fishy was dead. NOW would she have died anyways.....dunno. BUT when I put her in the mixture she was acting normal. NOT in anyway saying that killed her, just giving my experience.

 

[Lotus]

I've found Melafix and Pimafix to be reasonably effective on the bacterial infections that livebearers occasionally get.

If you want a better med, Petsmart usually sells an AP (Aquarium Pharmaceuticals) product called Anti-Fungus that actually treats both fungal and bacterial infections. It works well on fin rot and fluffy growths.

 

[Fishywishy]

Lotus do you know the name. (pimafix and melafix are made by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals and with so many choices out there, I just always went with these medications). the only fish I've had trouble with losing are fish with this particular petsmart (or even really needed to treat). Unfortunatly, in a 60mile radius, they have the best looking angels, which is why I do buy angels there. Well the best looking angels for a price I'll pay.......I have a little problem paying $30 for a 2 inch angel at my favorite lfs which is 30 miles away.

I lost my favorite angel during the night. It was soo pretty it was silver with one stipe down the middle and then the back half (tail and part of the body) was black. The other is still with us and seems to be improving already. When it dies that fast, I put it down to there is nothing anyone could have done (christinap).

 

[Lotus]

I believe the name is AP Anti-Fungus. Link to pic --> http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsU...81232/cl0/aquariumproductsapplusantifungus4oz

I've bought it at Petsmart in the past.

I never had good luck with Petsmart angels. I don't think they're good stock.