Loaches Online Forum

Over that last 6 weeks I have lost 6 clown loaches to what I now think is an internal bacterial infection combined with ph fluctuations.

I have just got myself a list of meds and water conditioners which will reach me by the end of the month. In my previous post I have listed all the information about the problems that the clowns have gone through.

http://forums.loaches.com/viewtopic.php ... highlight=

I need help to understand what med should be used with what:
Should I go with a combo of Melafix and Pimafix?

Or should I only medicate with Maracyn?


1 Tetra Aqua Safe 500 ml
1 Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Pimafix -16 OZ.
1 Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Melafix 16 OZ.
1 Jungle Internal Para Guard 2 oz
1 Mardel Maracyn II Powder Freshwater - 24 Pack
1 Seachem Prime- 500 ml
1 Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Stress Coat- 16 OZ.
1 Aquarium Products Applus+ Anti-Bacteria 4 OZ.
1 Big Al's Multi-Purpose Water Conditioner- 16 OZ.

What are the active ingredients, and why do you think that item will help?

Did you stabilize the KH/pH issue?

1 Tetra Aqua Safe 500 ml Is this dechlorinator only? or added ingredients?
1 Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Pimafix -16 OZ.- The situation has gone on too long for a mild product like this. It may help at the very beginning, or for external issues.
1 Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Melafix 16 OZ. Same note as Pimafix.
1 Jungle Internal Para Guard 2 oz Active ingredients?
1 Mardel Maracyn II Powder Freshwater - 24 Pack Use with Maracyn, they are designed to be used together.
1 Seachem Prime- 500 ml Dechlor.
1 Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Stress Coat- 16 OZ. So many added ingredients! (also, dechlor???) Might help. but don't overdo it.
1 Aquarium Products Applus+ Anti-Bacteria 4 OZ. What is this?
1 Big Al's Multi-Purpose Water Conditioner- 16 OZ. More dechlor? Other stuff in it?

Here is how I would combine them:
Pick ONE dechlor. Add ONE medicine. (OK to combine Maracyn and Maracyn 2)
Do not bother with the Melafix or Pimafix. This would be like swatting an elephant with a flyswatter: Too mild, too late.

Keep up water changes, keep the nitrates as low as possible, and whatever you have found that stabilizes the KH so the pH comes up must be continued. If the nitrifying bacteria population has recovered, then you ought to be seeing 0 ppm for Ammonia and Nitrite. If these are still present, then let them be your guide to water changes. Keep the Ammonia < .2 ppm, the Nitrite < .5 ppm and the Nitrates < 10 ppm.

Thank you for your reply Diana.

The KH in the water was too low. The KH of water in my area is very low so I added crushed shells and this helped in increasing the ph from 4.5 to 7.5.

This change was quite sudden and I lost 3 clowns in the weeks that followed. But the clowns seemed to show signs of internal bacteria. They remain grayed out, with jagged fins and cloudy eyes for months together before they finally die.

I have now changed the diet completely and an hoping that the meds I ordered will help.
After reading your post I am kind off disappointed and feel like kicking myself for not consulting with the forum members before placing this order.

I reside in India and can only order meds when friends come over to the US for short vacations or business trips. I will not be able to purchase any more meds for a while and need to make the most of what I have.