Expired?

[coyemuse]

So, after a full treatment of Maracyn Plus, for the columnaris, I glance at the empty bottle, only to note the expiration date was april 2011... did I just poison my fish with expired meds?

 

[Chad]

Probably not. Generally what happens is they simply aren't affective anymore. I say "probably" because some medications do alter chemical composition over time. I've read several places of people using expired Maracyn with no ill effects on the fish. If you just purchased it I recommend returning it to the store and pointing it out to the manager.

 

[coyemuse]

Im going to do that anyway, but just wondered because the bottle is empty now... bought it 6 days ago

 

[Chad]

So far I've not heard of anyone having fish die because it was expired. Hopefully someone else will post here confirming this so you can feel more comfortable with more than one person saying it.

 

[coyemuse]

Hopefully. Also, since it was expired, should I do another treatment with non-expired?

 

[Chad]

Personally I would give the other stuff a chance to see if it worked, but honestly that's just a personal thing. I have a feeling there might be some effectiveness in the old bottle.

 

[coyemuse]

How long after treatment will I see changes and results?

 

[Chad]

I've seen results in about a week.

 

[coyemuse]

Alright. is that from the beginning of treatment or from the end?

 

[Chad]

That was from the end in my case. I have a feeling it depends on how bad the fish is to begin with and what the tank conditions are like.

 

[coyemuse]

So Ill wait a week and see if she gets better, then look into re-treating?

 

[Chad]

That's what I would do. Perhaps if you notice it getting worse then start the retreat right away.

 

[coyemuse]

Alright, Thanks!

 

[Chad]

Let us know how it turns out and what the store manager says.

 

[coyemuse]

Will do!