Can Myaxzin Kill Filter Bacteria?

[Lizzie71]

I am treating my two bettas for finrot at the moment. One of them had it when I got him, the other developed it about a week ago (I have had them for about 3 weeks). Some details:

Tank - 34 litres, divided into two

One side - blue male betta ('Terry') with two otos
Other side - red male betta ('George') with two amano shrimps

The tank was previously a small community tank but about 3 weeks ago I moved the majority of my fish into a larger tank, along with 2/3 of the filter media, and divided it for the bettas. I have had the shrimps and otos for months, and they are fine.

Before the finrot set in on Terry (George had it from the lfs), the stats were ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate about 20, ph 8 (always is) and temperature around 28.

Then last weekend Terry started to show symptoms of finrot, although George was ironically beginning to heal So this week I have been treating with myaxzin (I'm on day 4) and aquarium salt. I have also done 50% water changes every other day.

Today's stats:

Ammonia 0.4
Nitrite 0.5
Nitrate 25
Ph 8
Temp 28 degrees

I have done another 50% water change, but I'm worried that the medicine or salt may be affecting my filter.

BTW, a quick question about salt: on here I've seen people say 1 tsp per gallon, but on the box it says 3 tbsp per gallon At the moment I have about 1tbsp per gallon in there - should I add more? Or have I overdosed?

Any advice? Terry is not a happy fish, his fins are bloodstreaked and he isn't eating much He hasn't even got the energy to flare at George through the divide, which he usually does a lot.

 

[rdd1952]

If you mean Maracyn, then no, it won't harm the bacteria colony. If the tank has only been set up for 3 weeks, I would imagine that it still hasn't finished cycling. Increase the frequency of the water changes until you can get the ammonia and nitrite down below .25 ppm and keep them there. With your pH at 8, the ammonia is particularly toxic. The nitrite is probably detoxified somewhat by the salt you are adding but you really want to get rid of both of them.

As to the salt, the bettas will probably be fine with it but I dont think the otos will take to it very well. It really isn't necessary. You may be using it as a treatment but the Maracyn and water changes should be enough. I think gettng rid of the ammonia and nitrite and keeping good, clean water will probably clear up your problem.

 

[plecofan]

Myxazin and salt should be fine with the filter bacteria.


If you are in the uk, id try some interpet no9 esp as they are getting red streaks

If you are feeding and they aren't eating, that could start a mini cycle if the filter can't keep up and you arent removing uneaten food.
I would have thought that you left enough filter media for two bettas.

 

[Lizzie71]

I thought I'd left enough filter media too. I know my kids have been overfeeding them and I have told them about it twice already this week - perhaps that's the trouble.

I'll look out for interpet 9 at the lfs. Thanks!

 

[hollyp0p]

I thought I'd left enough filter media too. I know my kids have been overfeeding them and I have told them about it twice already this week - perhaps that's the trouble.

I'll look out for interpet 9 at the lfs. Thanks!

I'm using myxazin at the moment too and have used it before with no damage to filter bacteria, sounds like the overfeeding is likely...lol.
Not sure the frequent changes are in order, obviously with your ammonia levels they are, but I run myxazin for it's 5 days with no changes until the last day, or leave it 7 and change on 7th day but only add 5 days of treatment.