Melafix Vs. Bettafix

[Kombat]

The answer to my question seems obvious but I thought I'd ask the experts.

My betta used to be in the 29G tank that is in my sig. However, shortly after adding the von rio tetras his fins have been torn up a bit. He also didn't seem very happy. So I moved him to his own tank. So on to treating his fins. I have both melafix and bettafix on hand. At quick glance, it looks like the bettafix is nothing more than watered down melafix. Bettafix is 0.2% of whatever the active ingredient is, and melafix is 1.0% of the same ingredient. But on closer inspection, the dosage of bettafix is 5 times that of melafix, which just happens to be how much more active ingredient melafix has. So it appears they are exactly the same except melafix is more concentrated, but that is offset by the fact that the dosage is much less.

So my question is, can I give my betta the normal dose of melafix? I ask only because I have heard that bettas can be sensitive to meds.

Also, can I add anything in with my betta? Some pygmy cories maybe? I know snails. I don't mind them, but my wife vehemently opposes snails in any of our tanks.

Thanks,
Karl

 

[TammyLiz]

I was recently wondering the same thing. I was told that melafix can actually burn their fins! I've also been told that some bettas have a sort of allergic reaction to it and get worse when it is added. If you're going to use it, there is no reason why you couldn't use watered down melafix instead of bettafix, but I wouldn't use a full dose.

I would think pygmy cories would be OK but you'd have the issue of not being able to have a large enough school because the tank is so small. It would be up to you. I'd go with three. They would probably be fine.

 

[OohFeeshy]

There are many stories of full strength melafix/bettafix being very harmful. Half dose is normally reccomended, but clean water and a bit of salt will do very good too.

 

[thelastbetta]

Melafix is what I use and I've never had a problem with it, works like a charm. But as OohFeeshy said, only half the dose is recommended for a betta.

 

[Synirr]

Yeah, I'd never use a full dose of Melafix on a betta. I've done it in the past out of ignorance, and it can indeed burn their fins, I assure you . It can also kill them if you keep medicating, not knowing that the Melafix is actually what's causing the problem (also something I know from experience.) Sage was ill recently, just lethargic and a little pale, nothing too serious, and I accidentally gave him too much Melafix one day... made him very much worse, but I knew immediately what was wrong and a water change fixed the problem almost instantly.

 

[ILM]

I no longer use Melafix since I've had too many bettas that don't react well to the stuff (and Bettafix is just a watered down version of Melafix, usually at a higher price). I've had a few bettas that seemed to love the stuff, loved to get right under the stuff when I dropped it into the tank but I've had bettas that nearly jumped out of tanks (if the lids hadn't been on) when Melafixed. Had a few die too. I'd start off with just keeping the tank real clean and adding just a bit of salt. If his fins don't start to heal or if they get worse, then try an antibiotic.

As far as tankmates, that's gonna be tricky. 5.5 gals doesn't give you a lot of room to play with although with enough nooks and crannies for any other critters to hide or out-manuver the betta it might work. Plus some bettas are just sweeter than others and there's no easy way to determine whether yours will tolerate certain tank mates except to try them but be ready to come to the rescue when needed.

 

[JoLtNbolt]

y'all should check out this pinned topic

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=57172

 

[Kombat]

y'all should check out this pinned topic

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=57172

I know Bettafix is just watered down melafix. But as I said in my original post, if you look at the dosages the bettafix dose is 5 times greater than melafix. 1 tsp of bettafix will treat just 2 gal. But 1 tsp of melafix treats 10 gal. It may be 1/5th as strong, but you have to use 5 times the dosage. Unless I am missing something, that all evens out. The only benefit I see to using bettafix is that since it is more diluted an accidental overdose will be less harmful. To me it seems like nothing more than different packaging and an excuse to charge more money.

Karl

 

[TammyLiz]

If you post the percentage and the dosage of the bettafix I can double check the math for you. I already have Melafix so I can check my bottle.

I had done a quick check in the pet store and decided to do 1/4 dose of melafix, but I could have been wrong.