Melafix medication?

[Diane C]

I wrote to Dr's Foster and Smith about my problem I have been having with my fish. I have lost several fish over the past month. I described the symptons and he thought it might be a bacterial infection, which it could be and he suggested using Melafix. He thought it would not be harmful to the Dojo's or any of my other fish. Has anyone ever tried this? Diana mentioned that it could be worms also. So, I guess I am going to have to choose between treating for the worms or the bacterial infection. I did order some anti-bacterial food, so maybe that would be good enough. If you were me, which one would you pick to treat first? Which one is most harmful to the fish, the worms or the bactierial infection?

I think I am becoming a big pest, but I don't know what I am doing, and you guys seem to know so much.

Thank you,

Diane

[plaalye]

Have a look at Sharis' article in the disease section on the main page, it covers both parasites and bacterial problems.

[jwyfk]

Smellafix (will make your house stink like Vick's vapor rub) is a natural remedy. Some like it, some don't. I would be more inclined to treat using a real medication, especially since you've lost several fish. With some medications you can double up at the same time. The PraziPro medication for flatworms I recently used, specifically mentions that you can't use it with other medications. I believe you can safely use Levamisole for roundworms with antibiotics.

I really like Foster and Smith for their customer service, but when it comes to advice about medications, pay attention to the experts on this forum, like Diana.

[Diane C]

Thanks for the info. I am going to stop by the fish store sometime today and talk to them. I have my doubts if they would know wha tto do, but we will see.

Plaaye, I hate to say this, but I still can't find the article. Heck I can't even find the main page. Are you referring to the Freshwater Forum, maybe a sticky at the top, or maybe on the main page, where you first enter into the Forums. I will keep looking tho.

Thank you for your help.

[shari2]

Melafix has antibacterial properties, but is not an antibiotic. It will only work as a preventative, it's not designed as a full blown disease cure. More like a homeopathic product that will help with minor issues like fins damaged by aggression, as jwyfk has said. I use it if my angelfish have been fighting to stave off infection, but if an infection develops you need a true antibiotic.

Antibacterial food is helpful for systemic infections, but not usually good enough by itself. Then, of course, you also have to make sure the fish ingest it before it will do anything. Personally, I've not yet been able to induce my fish to eat it - ever.

Can you give us more info?

What size tank?
What fish?
Water parameters?
Your cleaning/water change schedule?
History/symptoms of your fish losses?

Pictures are also VERY helpful. It is often a crap shoot diagnosing fish via the internet. Really helps to be able to see the problem, if possible.

[Martin Thoene]

Thanks for the info. I am going to stop by the fish store sometime today and talk to them. I have my doubts if they would know wha tto do, but we will see.

Plaaye, I hate to say this, but I still can't find the article. Heck I can't even find the main page. Are you referring to the Freshwater Forum, maybe a sticky at the top, or maybe on the main page, where you first enter into the Forums. I will keep looking tho.

Thank you for your help.

The article being referred to is here Diane:

http://www.loaches.com/Members/shari2/l ... chloride-1

It sounds like you've only discovered the LOL Forums and not the Loaches Online website itself. If this is the case, prepare to be amazed!

http://www.loaches.com/

Martin.

[Diane C]

Thank you Shari and Martin. I brought the site up and put it in my favorites so I don't lose it. I still have a lot of checking out the forums on this site.

Shari, I willl answer your questions this evening. Thank you for taking the time to help me.

Thanks a bunch. I appreciate it. I better run and get to work.

Diane

[Diana]

I generally like the smell of Melafix.
However, I have been reading increasing problems with the use for certain groups of fish.

Anabantoids: especially Bettas. I also do not use it for any fish with a labyrinth organ.

Polypterids: Some scientists who study fish have been talking and the ones who specialize in these interesting fish have found that Melafix reduces their breathing reflex.

Loaches: I read here about some Loach keepers being reluctant to use it, and perhaps seeing some issues.

(Darn... there are very few tanks I can now use it in! I have Loaches, and Gouramis in so many of my tanks!)
I have used it for the very beginnings of fin rot in my Angelfish tank. He responds well to it. I have used it twice (maybe three times) in about 5 years for this guy.
I have also used it with other meds for the very beginnings of Columnaris disease in a tank with some barbs and a catfish.

[shari2]

I haven't had problems using Melafix in my tanks with loaches (and I rather like the smell, too).
However, it's often recommended to use it in conjunction with Pimafix and I had a horrific result using Pimafix. Lost several fish to it because I assumed it would be safe (as the Melafix was) to use them together, treated my tank and had to run out to work. Came home to one fish that had jumped out of the tank, and 4 others dead in the tank.

When I opened up one of the casualties, the abdominal cavity positively reeked of Pimafix. I'll never use it again.

And thanks for the heads up on the anabantid issue with Melafix, Diana.