Possible Dilemma, Need Some Advice.

[Gadfly]

I'm currently treating my betta for fin rot with Maracyn Two. I'm on the second day of the treatment. I'm wanting to do a 100% water change and add some play sand to the substrate. My two questions are. How long to wait after the treatment for fin rot should I wait to do the water change and add the new substrate? Secondly I have two otocinclus' in the tank as well. What should I do to keep them alive and healthy during this water change. I don't have a second tank to house anyone in, just some buckets. The Maracyn treatment is a 5 day treatment, and I'll be done adding the packets by Friday. Thanks for any help in advance and any advice you guys can give me.

 

[SlyPolak]

To quote Tolak:

50% or better water change daily, redose daily with the full amount, 10-14 days.
The antibiotics in Maracyn & Maracyn II have a certain half life, this is the term used for a medication that loses half it's potency in a given time. Most antibiotics sit in the 12-48 hour range. This is the reason for the daily water change and remed. If the manufacturer of these medications were to use that as the instructions few people would buy them, as most aquarists are looking for something quicker & easier.

The length of time is common to most any living thing that is on antibiotics, dogs, cats rodents, humans, the medications all work the same against those specific bacterias. Once again, were aquarists told they have to medicate for that length of time, along with the daily water changes, they more often than not say forget that, and do not buy the product.

Antibiotic treatment regiments with erythromycin, which is what Maracyn is, or any of the cycline family of drugs such as tetracycline, which is what Maracyn II is, is pretty cut & dried. Most all of the medications for aquatic issues do originate from drugs originally created for humans, the treatment of fish using these drugs is not a whole lot different.