MelaFix / Tea Tree Oil

[malangbaba]

can anyone tell me how many drops of tea tree oil i should use to treat a 10G tank for fin rot? and what do i do in the subsequent days in terms of dosing and water changes....

thanks

 

[wuvmybetta]

Is it melafix or straight tea oil? If it's straight I'd use very,very little. Melafix is 1% tea tree oil to 99% water

 

[Inchworm]

Hi manageable

If you are using 100% pure tea tree oil, mix 1/4 tsp. of it with 8 Tbs. of dechlorinated tap water in a small jar. Shake very well to mix. This will give you a solution close to that of MelaFix. Cover tightly.

To use, shake well and add 1 tsp for each 10 gallons of water. When you use it, do not add it directly to the tank, but rather do a good water change and add it to the newly dechlorinated water you are adding to the tank. It works best if you add it to the bottom of the pail or other container you are using and let the water run in. This will insure that it mixes well with your aquarium water when it is put in the tank.

For fin rot, I would do daily water changes of about 2 gallons a day. Add 1/4 tsp. of the mixture to the replacement water each time. Since MelaFix (and your homemade version of it) is only a mild anti bacterial agent, if you don't see any improvement in a couple of days, stop using it and go to a stronger medication.

Also, if you are using carbon in your filter, remove it before starting any medications.

BTW, since you have not added your location to your profile, I don't know if you use Tbs. and tsp. measures. If you need the UK version of this formula, let me know and I will find CFC's recipe for it.

 

[malangbaba]

thanks to both...

inchworm, im in NYC....

i decided to add two drops of pure oil to the bucket when i did the water change last night....

is that too much or just right?

 

[Inchworm]

Hi malangbaba

I don't really know how to tell how many drops to use. This stuff is very strong. That's why I get the proportions right by doing the dilution formula first. Once that is made you can dose the water in a more controlled way, using MelaFix as a guide.

I don't live too far from you. I'm about half way out on Long Island.