Melafix, A Cure To Everything?

[hwoarangtag]

Hi,
I've read a lot of post stating that Melafix can cure internal, external baterias, infections, fungus ...

Is it so good? So whenever, i see unusual behavior with my fishes e.g. rubbing against objects; discolor or weak swimming, i can start by adding some melafix?

Also, can Melafix be harmful to the fishes; If so, how about the dose? how much can be harmful?

 

[LRPRESTO]

I wouldn't say melafix is a cure for everything but it is all natural and does help with open sores, fin rot, tail rot, body slime and mouth fungus. That said, it is medication and any medication should be used with caution and for the right reasons not just when you think they are showing sighs of unusual behavior. The hard thing with being an animal or fish owner is they can't tell you what is wrong! It really stinks! Melafix is safer than most meds but if in doubt, ask the experts here, they can tell you what is right and when to use it. Thats what I do!
PS, always use the proper dose for your size tank, never over dose on any medication. More is not better (even for humans)

 

[The-Wolf]

I have had some success using a dose 10 times that which is stated on the bottle (only in kill or cure cases, where all else has failed).
this changes melafix from a low strength anti-biotic (1%) to a high strength one (10%).

 

[LRPRESTO]

I have had some success using a dose 10 times that which is stated on the bottle (only in kill or cure cases, where all else has failed).
this changes melafix from a low strength anti-biotic (1%) to a high strength one (10%).

As you have said here "only in kill or cure cases" but I still would NEVER recommend using more that the directions say unless you have the advise of an expert involved.

 

[raptorrex]

I have had some success using a dose 10 times that which is stated on the bottle (only in kill or cure cases, where all else has failed).
this changes melafix from a low strength anti-biotic (1%) to a high strength one (10%).

As you have said here "only in kill or cure cases" but I still would NEVER recommend using more that the directions say unless you have the advise of an expert involved.

melafix is simply teatree, oil distilled water and an emulsifier. using too much will do little but, potentially, kill a large part of your filter bacteria colony. to that end in many situations, its gota be worth a try!

 

[mav8989]

I'm not a "naturalist" or anything - but when I recently had an outbreak of ich I used it... In my completely unscientificly supported opinion, I do not believe it really interacts with any true medications and can be dosed concurrently with other medications... Despite the instructions on the bottle that say "remove activiated carbon from filter, if possible" it does seem to be pulled out by carbon fairly quickly - so IMHO, it must be pulled out if it is fairly new. IMHO, I feel that it prevents secondary infections at the sites of the microscopic tissue tears from the parasite. I also recently had a Platy that showed a small wound that appeared to include a patch of 3-4 missing scales. It healed wonderfully at the proper dose of Melafix. Maybe it was going to go anyway, who knows? I have read, though, that some people use it all the time like a general tonic, and that such a course of action may result in a reduced or absent effect down the line. I'd guess that follows the concept of bacterial resistence. I had a wonderful article on the subject that was written by someone well qualified to do so, if I find it I'll ask where it is best placed. Of course, some would argue that a theraputic level of salt in a FW tank will have the same effect, and its a bit cheaper too. I've read what seems like hundreds of articles on it and it seems more a matter of personal opinion then settled scientific fact! For now, I'm sticking with using it from time to time as a general anti-bacterial agent as described above!

 

[Inchworm]

Hi hwoarangtag

MelaFix is a mild anti-bacterial and can be useful in some mild cases of bacterial infection. It is natural, but is by no means a cure all.

At the first sign of your fish being in distress, it's always best to consider the overall condition of the tank and water and correct anything that is amiss. An extra water change, and bottom vacuuming, never hurts and will sometimes solve the problem completely.

If not, and it appears that there is a bacterial infection starting, a dose of MelaFix might help. Do not add extra every day, unless you are doing additional water changes. Since MelaFix is a dilute solution of tea tree oil, it will coat the surface of the water and so reduce the oxygen available to the fish. By doing this, it can also make the tank conditions more hospitable to the growth of harmful bacteria, so make sure there is good agitation at the top. Add an extra airstone if it seems needed.

MelaFix is a strong medication, so never add it directly to the tank. It has been known to burn fish it's come in direct contact with. Instead, mix it well in water before adding to the tank and be certain that solution blends in quickly.

I've found that if MelaFix is going to help the condition of the fish, they will begin to show signs of improvement within the first few days. If not, begin to remove it through water changes so that you can start to treat the fish with a stronger medicine as soon as possible.