Malachite Green

[superjalami30]

I am currently treating a tank with malachite green by Marine Enterprises International. The instructions are clear enough, "add one drop per gallon of water every other day for a total of three treatments".

I have however, read differing ways of treating a tank with malachite green on the internet, most saying to do a 25% water change on the 2nd, 4th and 6th day before adding the additional medication.

The malachite green I have doesn't say to do these water changes, but I'm worried that I may be adding too much of the med and may affect my fish's well being.

Has anyone any info on this particular manufacturers malachite green and if I should be doing any water changes during treatment or not?

Thanks for any responses.

 

[fishyfeet]

Not sure if this is the same for marine fish but for tropicals malachite green which is actually blue is in most medications, it will kill of pathogens and bacteria including the "good guys" in your filter. You need half dosage with naked fish ie, catfish and other fish without scales, and the higher the temp the stronger the dosage will be.
Word of warning "use with extreme care" and its stains like the heck. di

 

[superjalami30]

Not sure if this is the same for marine fish but for tropicals malachite green which is actually blue is in most medications, it will kill of pathogens and bacteria including the "good guys" in your filter. You need half dosage with naked fish ie, catfish and other fish without scales, and the higher the temp the stronger the dosage will be.
Word of warning "use with extreme care" and its stains like the heck. di

Thanks for the reply. As I said earlier, I have actually researched malachite green extensively on the net and am quite aware of its dangers, including those dangers to my own health. I've also used it already in the past following the instructions on the label, and yes, I've seen the blue stains it causes. I am dosing at a 50% concentration for reasons you mentioned as well.

That's exactly why I'm asking whether or not I should be doing water changes between doses as some sites have recommended doing so.
If by not doing water changes will the concentration of the med be too high in the column of water?

 

[WILDER]

You will get more help by posting in tropical discussion.

 

[superjalami30]

You will get more help by posting in tropical discussion.

Thanks Wilder. I emailed the manufacture yesterday and today replied to me letting me know one how to dose the meds, and second that, the product I have is no longer made by them.

 

[WILDER]

Thanks for the update.

 

[fishyfeet]

Thanks for the reply. As I said earlier, I have actually researched malachite green extensively on the net and am quite aware of its dangers, including those dangers to my own health. I've also used it already in the past following the instructions on the label, and yes, I've seen the blue stains it causes. I am dosing at a 50% concentration for reasons you mentioned as well.

That's exactly why I'm asking whether or not I should be doing water changes between doses as some sites have recommended doing so.
If by not doing water changes will the concentration of the med be too high in the column of water?
[/quote]

No im my opinion doing water changes dilutes the medication making it less effective, but depends on the fish, as you know its dangerous stuff, did it not come with an information leaflet and dosing guide, i guess not or you wouldnt have asked the question.
Let me know if you find out, ive used meth blue indeed there is some in fish cupboard, di

 

[superjalami30]

Thanks for the reply. As I said earlier, I have actually researched malachite green extensively on the net and am quite aware of its dangers, including those dangers to my own health. I've also used it already in the past following the instructions on the label, and yes, I've seen the blue stains it causes. I am dosing at a 50% concentration for reasons you mentioned as well.

That's exactly why I'm asking whether or not I should be doing water changes between doses as some sites have recommended doing so.
If by not doing water changes will the concentration of the med be too high in the column of water?

No im my opinion doing water changes dilutes the medication making it less effective, but depends on the fish, as you know its dangerous stuff, did it not come with an information leaflet and dosing guide, i guess not or you wouldnt have asked the question.
Let me know if you find out, ive used meth blue indeed there is some in fish cupboard, di
[/quote]

Fishyfeet, yes it came with instructions written on the back of the bottle.(albeit very vague instructions)
After reading up a bit more malachite green I found several different ways of dosing the meds, of course each manufacture has a different method, and being that this med is somewhat scetchy and dangerous I thought I'd ask here and see if any of the experienced folks here had anything more to add what I already know.

Thanks for the replies folks, I just did a 50% water change on the tank and added my Carbon inserts to remove the left over med from the water column.
Just as a side thought I have no staining on any of the equipment, Mopani wood, and silicone. The Jag, Jack Dempsey and Yellow Acara are starving so I'd better get some beef heart unthawed.

 

[WILDER]

Also with mg green you have to black the tank out. As some meds don't work with light.

Make sure in the methylene blue instructions that it dosn't wipe the beneifical bacteria out in the filter. As some brands do.