Good Medication To Keep On Hand?

[donny7]

I want to buy some medications just to be on the safe side, in case some fish get sick and I have no money. I'm really looking to prevent things such as bacterial and parasitic infections, etc. Something I can dose the tank with every now and then to ensure everything is alright without disrupting my filter or otherwise healthy fish. I've decided so far on Melafix and anti-bacterial fish food. Anything else I should get?

 

[Katty]

I think it's a good idea to keep medications on hand, but I definitely would not dose medications unless you actually see anything wrong. Dosing antibiotics when they're not needed can make antibiotic resistant bacteria, that won't die when you need to use the medicine for real.

I think aquarium salt is a handy thing to have on hand. There are a lot of different illnesses it can treat, and it lasts a long time. Unlike antibiotics, you can use some aquarium salt in the tank all the time, without making resistant bacteria. Plus, it's cheap and lasts a long time.

I'm not too sure about melafix though, I've read in a couple places that it's just a waste of money. It's pretty much just watered down tea-tree oil. It might be OK for you, but maybe read up on it a little more. I think a real antibiotic like Maracyn I and/or II might be a more useful thing to have on hand, if things really go down hill.

 

[KittyKat]

Do keep in mind that all medication can and will expire. I keep eSHa 2000 for bacterial/fungal, Sera Protazol for whitespot, aquarium salt and finally, carbon for removal of remaining traces of medication after a large water change.

Melafix never worked for me and I have never used prepared medicated food.

+1, never treat without a positive diagnosis on a disease.

 

[donny7]

Oh, okay. My main issue is I have recently lost my job and forced to move back in with the parents, and even though I'm 19, it's still degrading and consequently it provides no money. The last thing I want is for the poor fish I acquired while working to die

 

[Tolak]

The best, and cheapest preventative medication is plenty of fresh water. Most problems arise from lack of water changes, followed by overfeeding. Feed half as much as you think you should, change water twice as much as you think you should.

The best plan for aquatic illnesses is having the contact information for businesses that carry medications that you may need. Include in this list local shops that carry more common medications such as Maracyn, as well as an online supplier for the more out of the ordinary situations.

 

[Tizer]

Someone sounds a little Catherine Zeta this morning.

Dry your eyes Donny, its not all bad, pubs open quite early now.

 

[donny7]

@ Tizer

Hahaha, it wasn't meant to be taken seriously. My life has been a crazy rollercoaster lately, girlfriend leaving me, taking the kid with her, ETC.

Fish are a major stress relief right now, so.. yeah.

 

[Tizer]

 

[roadmaster]

I want to buy some medications just to be on the safe side, in case some fish get sick and I have no money. I'm really looking to prevent things such as bacterial and parasitic infections, etc. Something I can dose the tank with every now and then to ensure everything is alright without disrupting my filter or otherwise healthy fish. I've decided so far on Melafix and anti-bacterial fish food. Anything else I should get?

Clean water is best preventitive medication along with quarantine.

 

[Miles_hot]

put the cash you would've spent on the meds away - either pysically (frozen in block of ice) or in an account. use it when you need to - prevents meds going off

 

[marieukxx]

Awww I commend you for thinking of your fish like that and trying to do the right thing. I'm skint half the time too lol.

Meds have a shelf life plus you may waste your money on something you never use. I'd just stick £10 or £20 aside that you don't spend and save that just in case. If you're worried you will be tempted to spend it when you have no caseh give it to someone to keep for you maybe.

 

[waterdrop]

The best, and cheapest preventative medication is plenty of fresh water. Most problems arise from lack of water changes, followed by overfeeding. Feed half as much as you think you should, change water twice as much as you think you should.

The best plan for aquatic illnesses is having the contact information for businesses that carry medications that you may need. Include in this list local shops that carry more common medications such as Maracyn, as well as an online supplier for the more out of the ordinary situations.

Yes, I agree with Tolak and the others. Do plenty of the good maintenance that can prevent illness and have a small bit of cash set aside separately from your other savings that's meant for buying the fresh meds if you need them. WD