I added some Interpet Aqaulibrium to my tank 2 hours ago and now all my fish are gasping near the surface, my barbs look really bad. I added less than the maximum stated dose which should act as a tonic and de-stress the fish according to interpet, instead it may only cause stress and kill them.


Here's a quote from interpet.

"A unique balance formulation of essential physiological salts for promoting the health of freshwater fish.
Aqualibrium assists the aquarist in safeguarding against fish disease as the unique formulation helps to create the perfect environment for freshwater fish. Aqualibrium stabilises aquarium water conditions, including the essential pH value.

Aqualibrium is a major ally in your fishes struggle to maintain a constant internal body environment and helps to reduce the toxic effects of fish waste products such as nitrate. Aqualibrium is one of the aquarists most versatile water treatments and can be used in a variety of ways:
As a general aquarium tonic and mild pH buffer.
To help minimize the effects of stress on fish.
As a supportive measure when treating for disease." Yea, right!



I've added an spare air pump to the tank for extra aeration and also moved the power head for more water agitation, but should i do a water change? I want to, but don't want to stress the fish out too much they look really weak.

Anyones opinions would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks, Andy.

This post has been edited by Andy7000: Dec 2 2007, 06:58 PM

I've done a water change after a barb died.

They should really tell people that this product is toxic to some fish or even kill them. B@stards

This post has been edited by Andy7000: Dec 2 2007, 08:02 PM

I use aqulibrium and havent had any issues and it helps my PH. BUT I only have 5 pearl danios and 2 algae eaters, so dont know if its caused your problems. Out of interest what size tank do you have and how much did you put in ?

Why did you even use it? Were your fish sick?

This post has been edited by Little-Fizz: Dec 3 2007, 07:58 PM

Put active carbon in your filter to get rid of the meds.

hi, thanks for replying.

I added it because I recently had an outbreak of ich in my second smaller tank and the product says that it helps fish during disease treatment.

The tank is a 120l (around 30 Gal to you I think). I added just over half of the contents(around 150grams) to the tank(after disolving it first), which is less than the maximum posible dose, so according to interpet this should be fine.

Really confused because some people say use salt but it apears to be usless with tropicals, don't think i'll use salt again, maybe it was a bad batch?

This post has been edited by Andy7000: Dec 7 2007, 07:08 AM

My father in law used that it killed all of his catfish, he was using it as treatment for pop-eye with some other medication.

Huge water change was needed

Chris

Yeah use salt, it works and no need for yucky meds. When you used salt did you use heat to? I'll give you a link to another forum with the method I used. Ok the sites down I'll copy n paste it for you. Unless you have scaleless fish or anyother fish that can't handle the salt or the heatthen just always use the salt when treating ich. Someone rmastered this method and told me to use it and I did, I've never had a problem since.

Salt is defined as aquarium salt and NOT table salt!

Upon observing a white spot on a fish or a fish brazing themself on various tank appurtenances:

Day 1
Increase the water temperature to 80F (26.6C)
Perform a 20% WC.
Add 1 Tablespoon of salt per 20 US Gallons of water (76L, 16.6 UKG)

Day 2
Increase the water temperature to 82F (27.7C)
Add 1 Tablespoon of salt per 40 US Gallons of water.

Day 3
Increase the water temperature to 84F (28.8C)
Add 1 Tablespoon of salt per 40 US Gallons of water.

Day 4
Increase the water temperature to 85F (29.4C)
Add 1 Tablespoon of salt per 40 US Gallons of water.

Days 5, 6, 7 and 8
Do nothing

Day 9
Perform a 20% WC.
Decrease the water temperature to 84F (28.8C)

Day 10
Perform a 20% WC.
Decrease the water temperature to 82F (27.7C)

Day 11
Perform a 20% WC.
Decrease the water temperature to 80F (26.6C)

Day 12
Perform a 20% WC.
Decrease the water temperature to 78F (25.5C).

Day 13
Return to the typical maintenance protocol.

Thanks Chris at least I'm not the only one who has has trouble with it.

Thanks for the directions fizz, your method seems as if it would work a lot better than interpets interpretation. I will try salt next time.

I guess Interpet just want to get people using lots of their product with little care about the fish/keeper. They really should tell people about the problems that their salt product can cause especially when used at the recommended dosage.

Think I'm going to try protozin now.

This post has been edited by DSE: Dec 7 2007, 09:45 AM

i have used aqualibrium in my 200L community tank inc plecs, corys, loaches, tetra's and siamese with no problems at all

i personally prefer the API aquarium salt and use a small amount in my water changes with no problems at all (by the way i do a 70L water change 33% per week)

i dont use any special formula or equipment just tip a bit in and my fish are at least ok if not thriving

steve