This thread will be used as a reference for various types of treatments that we can use if the need for them arises. If you have questions on how to treat diseases, please make a separate thread and we will take it from there.
*A word of warning: When using the meds, please do not mix them unless it is advisable. Mixing the meds can be dangerous to the fish. After using one med, use activated carbon in the filter to remove the med and you can use another. This will enable you to use another med without the risk of mixing them. See Contraindications and read carefully for compatibility issues with other meds.
Furthermore, please do not use the medicines until you are sure of what you are doing. Consult a person with full knowledge in the hobby first before you proceed with the treatments.
A few more notes:
1. Some meds are water soluble and may bind to organic matter so a full redose may be required every 24 hours. Some meds however linger for a long time so be very careful in weighing your options which treatment to use and plan ahead your dosage schedule.
2. Some meds are light sensitive. It is for this reason why they are placed in opaque bottles. As a general rule, keep the meds inside cool dark places.
3. KEEP OUT OF REACH FROM YOUR CHILDREN AND PETS. Some meds are extremely toxic and already banned by FDA from use towards pets and animals intended for human consumption. Be sure you padlock the meds elsewhere out of reach from your children. If possible, include the TOXIC symbols in bottles and cabinets where you place the meds in.
4. Be sure the meds do not leak from their bottles and do not combine bottles of potent meds in one place.
5. A lot of meds are also carcinogenic so handle them with care. If possible, store some gloves and first aid kits for emergency cases. Do not drain recognized carcinogens in your garden where you grow your foods. Pour the contaminated water and other liquids straight to the drain.
6. Some meds are flammable. Keep in cool dark places.
References:
Thegab.org
Kokosgoldfish.com
Drfosterandsmith.com
Representation:
API-Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Inc.
BB-beneficial bacteria
A
Acriflavine
Diseases: Brooklynella hostilis, Costia (Ichtyhobodo necatrix), Columnaris, Carp Pox, Fin Rot and other diseases related to bacterial infections
Contraindications: Acriflavine is found mainly as ingredient in several medications and is very effective in most bacterial infection cases. It is compatible with malachite green and copper sulfate however it may sterilize your prized breeders so avoid using this for breeding fish.
You should wear gloves and protect all surfaces with plastic. It will stain the glass inside the aquarium meaning it is difficult to remove. All surfaces affected will need to do some serious cleaning which isn't easy. Use thick papertoweling or a rag when cleaning the whole inside as the acriflavine sticks.
A quarantine tank with bare bottom and sponge type filter is the best way to prepare for using it. Something that can be broken down and set back up easily after cleaning would be your best bet.
Aquari-Sol
Diseases: ich
Aquarium Care Fin Rot by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Acriflavine, Aminoacridine, Hydrocloride & Formaldehyde
Diseases: Flukes and external bacterial infections
Aquarium Care Fungus by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Malachite Green
Diseases: Fungal & Ectoparasite infections
Aquarium Doctor: BSB by Tap
Active ingredients: Acriflavine, Hydrochloride & Malachite Green
Diseases: External bacterial & fungal infections in Freshwater & Marine fish.
Aquarium Doctor: FC11 by Tap
Active ingredients: Acriflavine, EDTA, Silver, Copper, Polyvinylpyrrolidone & Organic Sulphur
Diseases: External Bacterial infections in Marine fish.
Aquarium Doctor: MM2 by Tap
Active ingredients: Copper sulphate, Malachite Green, Polyvinylpyrrolidone & Organic Sulphur
Diseases: External Bacterial, Oodinum & fungal infections in Marine fish. Contraindications:
Harmful to inverts
Aquarium Doctor: WSP by Tap
Active ingredients: Formaldehyde, Malachite Green, Methylene Blue, Para Rosaniline & Sodium chloride
Diseases: Protozoal infections and Flukes in Freshwater & Marine fish.
Contraindications:
Harmful to morymids. Use half dose if marine invertebrates are present.
Aquarium Salt-Freshwater use only
Diseases: ich, flukes, nitrite poisoning
Contraindications: Further information can be found below.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=226328
Dosage: A 0.1% solution which is one teaspoon per gallon will work just fine for bottom dwellers such as loaches and catfishes. Contrary to popular beliefs, salt can work perfectly well as a treatment if added slowly and carefully to avoid osmotic shock.
0.3% solution (3 teaspoons per gallon) will work just fine as preventive and corrective treatment for quarantine procedures and treatment against protozoans, flukes and most pathogens.
B
Bactocide by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Acriflavine, Aminoacridine, Hydrochloride & Formaldehyde
Diseases: External Bacterial, Oodinum & Flukes
Baytril
Active ingredients: Enrofloxacin
Diseases: bacterial infections
Contraindications:
Best used as injectable antibiotic for renal cysts and internal bacterial infections. For baths, dosage is 0.8 mg per liter.
Available in veterinary clinics. Some veterinary clinics may require you prescriptions before you can obtain it.
Bettafix
Active Ingredients: 0.2% melaluca oil
Diseases: Wounds
Contraindications:
See Melafix. Bettafix has a much lesser concentration as melaluca oil can potentially choke the labyrinth fish.
Bettamax
Active ingredients: 250 mg capsule, Nitrofurazone, Methylene Blue, PVP, Vitamins, NaCl, Sulfas: Methazine, Diazine and Merazine
Diseases: Specific for bettas, guppies, and all fancy fin fish. Treats listlessness, poor appetite, splits and holes in fins and tail, poor colour, poor water quality, vitamin deficiency, bacterial infections, fungal infections
Binox
Active ingredients: nitrofurazone, sodium chloride
Diseases: fungus, fin/tail/mouth rot, hemorrhage septicemia, swim bladder disorder, dropsy and cloudy eyes.
Bio Bandage
Active Ingredients:
neomycin sulfate, methylene blue, cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), binder, adhesion agents in isotonic, aqueous solution
Diseases: ulcers
Contraindications:
Used as a topical treatment for ulcerated wounds. Available at Pond Solutions.
BSB (Broad Spectrum Bactericide) by The Aquarium Doctor
Contraindications: Very effective cure for fin rot, gill disease, fungus, ulcers, wounds and bacterial disorders in all fishes.
C
Chloramine T
Diseases: bacterial infections, costia, trichodina, chilodonella, ich, gyrodactylus, dactygyridae
Contraindications: For more information, please proceed to this site.
Chloramphenicol
Contraindications:
These antibiotics prevent protein synthesis and effect the cells ability to reproduce. Best used as injectable antibiotics.
Clout
Active ingredients: trichlorfon, malachite green, hydroxychloroquine
Diseases: Ectoparasites
Clove Oil
Contraindications:
Clove oil is a very strong herbal agent so use it in a well ventilated area. This is best used as a sedative or for euthanasia. Also known as eugenol.
Sedation is NOT advisable for beginners to attempt. Instructions must be followed carefully otherwise you risk killing your fish in the process.
Place at least 5-6 drops of clove oil in a ziplock bag with at least a quart of water already in there. Shake well and pour into a gallon bucket of water. Place the fish there and wait for a few minutes before the fish dives into unconsciousness. Be sure your much needed tools are already organized and within your reach. Do your work as quickly as you can (with caution). Once work is done, start spraying water near the gills of the fish to remove some clove oil sticking on it. Place the fish into another bucket of fresh clean water until the fish revives itself. Make sure the bucket is ell aerated using an airpump to do the job.
Available as toothache drop in pharmacies.
Copper Sulfate
Diseases: most protozoans, nemotodes, copepods, flukes
Contraindications:
It must be noted it is very dangerous to use copper sulfate when treating your tank. A copper test kit is required at this rate when treating regardless of it being chelated or unchelated. It must match the type of copper being used, chelated or unchelated, if the test is incompatible with the type of copper being used, you won't get an accurate reading for that. It is best to treat in a hospital tank only as even small traces cannot be removed from the main tank easily. Carbon cannot remove most of the copper so think twice before you attempt this.
Copper can harm and destroy all invertebrates and plants so think before you add it to your main community tank. This eventually leads to dire effects on the fish as well as other aquatic life.
Never use copper in tanks containing salt, invertebrates, with immunity-challenged fish and with drastic pH changes especially acidic water conditions.
Coumaphos
Diseases: external parasites
Contraindications:
An extremely toxic pesticide used by some pond owners to destroy fish lice and anchorworms. Not a recommended treatment. Dimilin (diflubenzuron) is a much more advisable alternative.
Cupramine
Active ingredients: chelated copper
Diseases: most protozoans, nemotodes, copepods, flukes
Contraindications:
See Copper Sulfate.
Cuprazin
Diseases: Whitespot, Oodinium, Benedenia, Trichodina and fungal infections
D
Dimilin
Diseases: anchorworms (Lernaea elegans), fish lice, ergasilus
Contraindications:
See thread for more details. Available under another name, diflubenzuron.
Discomed
Active ingredients: 250mg capsules of Levamisole, NaCl, Piperazine, Magnesium sulfate and Neomycin Sulfate Activity
Diseases: Intestinal flagellates
Contraindications:
This is another alternative to Levamisole hydrochloride which is an anti-worm agent.
Diseasolve Aquarium Antiseptic by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Acriflavine & Meythelene Blue
Diseases: External bacterial & Protozoal infections
Diseasolve by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Acriflavine & Meythelene Blue
Diseases: External Bacterial & Ectoparasite infections in Koi & other carp.
E
E.M. Tablets
Active ingredients: erythromycin
Diseases: bacterial infections
Contraindications:
See Erythromycin. A product of API (Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.).
Epsom Salts
Active ingredients: pure Magnesium sulfate
Diseases: dropsy/bloat, intestinal flagellates
Dosage: 1/8 teaspoon to 1/2 teaspoon per 10 gallons.
Erythromycin
Diseases: bacterial infections, intestinal flagellates
Contraindications:
It was noted to be quite effective when the pH is neutral or slightly alkaline.
Compatible with Metromeds but incompatible with MediGold.
F
Fenbendazole
Also registers as methyl-5- benzol-benaimidizole-2-carbamate.
Diseases: roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms
Contraindications:
It is considered a very effective treatment against nematodes (camallanus worms and capillaria).
Flubenol
Diseases: intestinal parasites
Contraindications:
Available in UK only.
Formalin
Diseases: ich, external protozoans
Contraindications:
Formalin should be administered in a well ventilated area. It is a carcinogenic agent so please exercise caution when using such product. Toxicity may elevate in connection to high temperature above 70 degrees.
Formalin can deplete oxygen so keep your water well-aerated.
This is not compatible with salt so refrain from using any commercial product containing formalin with salt.
Dosage: 2 teaspoons per 10g (20ppm). Dose half only for severely weakened fish. Water changes need to be performed first before redosing med. May be redosed on a daily basis for at least a week or two and continue treatment 3-4 more days right after ich disappears.
Formalite II
Active ingredients: Formaldehyde 15%, Copper and Nickel Sulfate
Diseases: ich, velvet disease, collapsed fins, white body blotches, marine ich (Cryptocarion irritans)
Contraindications: Due to copper sulfate content, this should be used only in quarantine tanks. Copper traces can destroy invertebrates. Not to be used with salt.
Fungistop by Tetra
Active ingredients: Silver collid & Mentanii yellow.
Diseases: bacterial and fungal infections
Furacyn
Active ingredients: 100 mg capsules, Nitrofurazone Activity
Diseases: red areas and body streaks, peeling or white body slime, open ulcers, wasting away, bacterial infections, ammonia exposure, furunculosis, columnaris
Furan 2
Active Ingredients: nitrofurazone, furazolidone, methylene blue trihydrate
Diseases: bacterial infections
Contraindications:
Furazolidone and nitrofurazone are carcinogenic agents. A product of API.
Furanase
Active ingredients: Nifurpirinol
Diseases: mouth fungus, tail rot, cotton-wool disease, black molly disease
G
General Tonic by Tetra
Active ingredients: Ethacridine-lactate, acriflavine, methylene blue & 9-aminocridine-hydrocloride.
Gentamycin
Diseases: bacterial infections
Contraindications:
This affects the bacterial cell membrane which is responsible for bringing nutrients into the cell and taking waste out of the cell. The antibiotics disrupt this process. It is toxic when overdosed.
Goldfix
Active ingredients: NaCl, sodium thiosulphate (chlorine treatment aka fixer), nitrofurazone, polyvinyl-pyrrolidone, triethylene glycol, acriflavine, potassium dichromate.
H
Hex-A-Mit
Active ingredients: 250 mg capsule, Metronidazole Activity
Diseases: white dots or body velvet, holes in the head or sinus area, weight loss, not eating and wasting away, unexplained deaths which can be minimized, marine Ich or protozoans, fresh and marine protozoans
Hydrogen Peroxide
I
Interpet Anti Fungus and Finrot
Diseases: Mycobacteriosis, bacterial and fungal infections
Contraindications:
Anti Fungus and Finrot is a single dose treatment which is added directly to the aquarium to quickly and effectively control disease bacteria on and off the fish. The treatment remains active for a few days, preventing further outbreaks.
Interpet Anti Internal Bacteria (Fish Health Treatment Number 9)
Active ingredients: Bronopol (522mg), Formaldehyde (900mg) and Benzalkonium Chloride (250mg)
Contraindications:
All check out as being legitimate fish treatments pretty much, in fact for bacteria and parasites but would have to be considered as very aggressive and crude. It's a two part treatment and you must dose the second part after 4 days. Like all aggressive treatments using it with another treatment would be nuts. You don't do water changes during treatment (one week) so advise large change prior to dosing so as to not have high nitrates - this I think is pretty important in e.g. a fully stocked cichlid tank. After dosing and waiting out as per directions run carbon or do very large water changes over a couple of days.
It has no antibiotic agent.
Does it work ? I don't know. I read up on the active ingredients and they scared me.lol I went with good old fashioned large daily changes for a week and my problem resolved. I would use only in cases where this has been tried and is not working, fish are dieing, and you don't have access to e.g. Maracyn/Maracyn 2.
On another issue, it does say on the box "harmful to aquatic organisms. may cause long term adverse effects in the aquatic environment"....
It does claim to be plant and bacterial filtration safe nonetheless. I can't see that it would be harmful to inverts as no copper.
Finally, I believe it is not really a specifically anti-bacterial treatment - the formaldehyde and Bronopol is also indicated for parasites.
Best way to use it IMO is buy it, read the box, show the fish the box, explain that if they don't get better then they're getting this stuff. It will terrify them back to health.
Interpet Anti Slime and Velvet
Active ingredients: Velvet, Flukes, Chilodonella, Ichthyobodo (Costia), Trichodina and Brooklynella
Contraindications:
Fish often carry a small risk of skin and gill parasites. When fish are stressed, this population will rapidly increase, endangering the fishes' lives.
Anti Slime and Velvet will eradicate velvet (Oodinium and Amlyoodinium), flukes (Dactylogyrus and Gyrodactylus) and protozoan parasites including Chilodonella, Ichthyobodo (Costia), Trichodina and Brooklynella.
Anti Slime and Velvet has been formulated for use in both marine and freshwater aquariums. A single dose remains active in the aquarium long enough to cure the disease episode. Most parasite outbreaks are cured more quickly at higher temperatures - we recommend a temperature of 27C/80F for the duration of the treatment.
Interpet Liquisil General Tonic
Active ingredients: Bronopol, Copper, Formaldehyde, Silver Proteinate
Contraindications:
This is a medicine not advisable for use. Why? After a few research done by a fellow member, Bronopol which is one of its active ingredients has the potential to kill all livestocks and plants if not used properly. It is highly toxic even to the users. Copper is another matter and should not be used where invertebrates are concerned.
The silver proteinate is for staining purposes and can block out light which can kill most fungal developments.
Interpet Koi Anti Fungus and Bacterial
Active ingredients: Acrflavine, Malachite Green & Methylene Blue
Diseases: External bacterial & Fungal infections in Pond fish.
Contraindications:
Harmful to Orfe, Rudd and Stergeons/Sterlets
Interpet Koi Anti Parasite FS
Active ingredients: Formaldehyde, Malachite Green & Methylene Blue
Diseases: Flukes & Protozoal infections in Pond Fish.
J
Jungle Antibacterial Medicated Food
Active Ingredients: Sodium Sulfathiazole 2.3%, Nitrofurazone 0.13%
Ingredients: Ingredients: Soybean Meal, Sorghum Distillers Dried Grain with Solubles, Ground Grain Sorghum, Fish Meal, Fish Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, dl-Methionine, Ascorbic Acid, Ethoxyquin (a preservative), Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Niacin Supplement, Folic Acid, Riboflavin Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfate Complex, Biotin, Choline Chloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Cobalt Carbonate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Ferrous Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin A Supplement, Mineral Oil, and Vitamin B-12 Supplement.
Diseases: Internal bacterial infections (such as bacterial enteritis, septicemia, kidney disease, wasting), external infections, open sores, ulcers, columnaris and fin rot. Also helps reduce the effects of microsporidian infections such as Pleistophora, the causative agent in neon tetra disease.
Feeding Directions:
Gently spread food over water surface so that it floats. Feed exclusively for 5 to 10 days as required. Do not use other foods during this period. Feed as much as the fish will eat, 1 or 2 times daily. May be used with external water treatments, antibiotic/fungal or parasite treatments. For scavengers and small fish, crush pellets to desired size.
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein.....min. 36%
Crude Fat..... ......min. 7%
Crude Fiber.........max. 6%
Moisture...........max. 10%
Calcium...............min. 1%
Calcium............max. 1.8%
Phosphorus..........min. 1%
Sodium............min. 0.15%
Sodium.............max. 0.3%
Jungle Anti-Parasite Medicated Fish Food
Active Ingredients: Metronidazole 1.0%, Praziquantel 0.5%, Levamisole 0.4
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein..........min. 36%
Crude Fat.................min.7%
Crude Fibermax................6%
Moisture................max. 10%
Calcium....................min. 1%
Calcium.................max. 1.8%
Phosphorus...............min. 1%
Sodium.................min. 0.15%
Sodium..................max. 0.3%
Ingredients: Soybean Meal, Sorghum Distillers Dried Grain with Solubles, Ground Grain Sorghum, Fish Meal, Fish Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, dl-Methionine, Ascorbic Acid, Ethoxyquin (a preservative), Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Niacin Supplement, Folic Acid, Riboflavin Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfate Complex, Biotin, Choline Chloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Cobalt Carbonate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Ferrous Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin A Supplement, Mineral Oil, and Vitamin B-12 Supplement.
Diseases:
For Internal Parasites
Aids in control of internal flagellates, trematodes, and cestodes, which includes hexamita (hole-in-the-head), spironucleus, intestinal worms, tapeworms, and nematodes, e.g. camallanus.
Feeding Directions:
Gently spread food over water surface so that it floats. Feed exclusively for 3 consecutive days a week for 4 weeks. Do not use other foods during these 3-day periods. Feed as much as the fish will eat 1 or 2 times daily. May be used with external water treatments, antibiotic/fungal or anti-parasitic treatments. For scavengers and small fish, crush pellets to desired size.
Contraindications:
Effective against nematodes (camallanus and capillaria), cestodes (flatworms), flagellates (hexamita, sprironucleus) and monogenean trematodesx (flukes) as covered by three ingredients, all of which are anthelmintics.
Available at Goldfish Utopia, courtesy of Thegab.org.
Jungle Fungus Clear
Active ingredients: nitrofurazone, furazolidone, potassium dichromate
Diseases: bacterial and fungal infections, costia
Contraindications:
See Jungle Fungus Eliminator. The only difference is this one has salt added to keep bacterial infections at bay.
Jungle Fungus Eliminator (crystals)
Active ingredients: NaCl, Nitrofurazone, furazolidone, potassium dichromate.
Diseases: Columnaris, furunculosis, Costia, dropsy, fin and mouth rot, white film on eyes (usually cataracts and cloudy eyes), hemorrhage septicemia
Contraindications:
It is an effective treatment for fungal infections on bettas, however it can damage live plants.
Jungle Ick Guard
Active ingredients: .20% triethylene glycol, victoria green, nitromersol, acriflavine
Diseases: treats Ich (white spot)
K
Kanacyn
Active ingredients: 150 mg capsules, Kanamycin Sulfate, and NaCl
Diseases: full spectrum skin absorbing antibiotic, treats hemorrhage, red body patches, rotting fins and tail rot, protruding or loss of scales, furunculosis, bacterial infections, fungal infections, internal infections.
Contraindications:
This affects the bacterial cell membrane which is responsible for bringing nutrients into the cell and taking waste out of the cell. The antibiotics disrupt this process. It is toxic when overdosed.
These antibiotics prevent protein synthesis and effect the cells ability to reproduce.
Not to be used in fish with dropsy assuming the cause is associated to kidney malfunction. More effective with high pH and hardness levels, the opposite of tetracycline.
Koi Care Acriflavine by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Acriflavine
Diseases: External bacterial, protozoal & fungal infections in Pond fish.
Contraindications:
Can be used with tropicals with care as it is easy to overdose.
Koi Care Calm by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Clove oil
Contraindications:
Very easy to overdose as clove oil is used for euthanasia.
Koi Care FMG by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Formaldehyde & Malachite Green
Diseases: Fungal & Protozoal infections in Pond fish.
Contraindications:
Can be used with tropicals with care as it is easy to overdose. Harmful to Orfe, Rudd, Tench and Stergeons/Sterlets.
Koi Care Gillwash by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Benzalkionium chloride
Diseases: Bacterial Gill infections in Pond Fish.
Contraindications:
Harmful to nitrifying bacteria; use half dose in soft water.
Koi Care Malachite Green by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Malachite Green
Diseases: Fungal & external Parasite infections in Pond Fish.
Koi Care Ulcer-Swab by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Benzalkonium chloride & Providone
Contraindications:
Used as a cleaner of wounds on Pond Fish. Apply directly to fish without leaking it near gills, mouth and eyes, and do not dose in pond.
Koi Care Wound Seal by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Zinc cream
Contraindications:
Used to seal wounds and promote healing in Pond Fish. Note Apply directly to fish, do not dose pond
Kordon Ich Attack
Diseases: ich, other protozoans, dinoflagellates, and fungus
More information can be found here.
L
Levamisole hydrochloride
Diseases: roundworms, lungworms, nematodes, nodular worms, hookworms, stomach worms
Not effective against flukes, flatworms and tapeworms as experimented by Chefkeith.
Contraindications:
This is often used in cattles however it has proven itself effective in fish as well. It is used as a defense mechanism against parasites found among wild-caught fish particularly loaches.
Levamisole hydrochloride has been found labelled in other names and is also found as an ingredient in some medications. It is light-sensitive and should be stored in a cool and dark place. It is worth noting that it is also found as Levasole.
For more information and treatment recommendations, you can proceed to this thread. Liv2padl has some great recommendations on this.
Life Bearer
Active ingredients: 0.0-dimehyl, 1-hydroxybenzol, 2-trichloromethyl phosphate
Diseases: flukes and fish lice
Lifeguard All-In-One (New) from Tetra
Diseases: Ich, Fungus, Bacterial Infections
Lufenuron
Diseases: fish lice, anchorworm, ergasilus
Contraindications:
Proven to be quite effective against parasites and is an active ingredients in flea dog sprays.
M
Malachite Green
Diseases: ich, fungus, saprolegnia
Contraindications:
A well known carcinogenic agent that is also listed as Victoria green, Aniline green, diamond green or any "green". More toxic at high temperature and pH and can kill your beneficial bacteria and even plants. Not to be used in saline solution more than 0.2% (2 teaspoons per gallon).
Maracide-freshwater
Active ingredients: Tris (hydroxy-methyl) aminomethane, dibromohydroxymercurifluorescein, aniline green.
Diseases: Ich, Velvet, protozoan diseases, chilodonella (blueish-white film on fish) Trichodina (extra mucus and cloudiness of skin) and other external freshwater parasites
Maracyn
Active ingredients: Erythromycin
Diseases: gram positive bacterial infections, fin and tail rot, popeye, body fungus
Comments:
These antibiotics prevent protein synthesis and effect the cells ability to reproduce.
Further information can be found under the name Erythromycin.
Maracyn 2
Active ingredients: Minocycline
Diseases: gram negative bacterial infections, dropsy, hemorrhage septicemia, popeye, fin and tail rot.
Contraindications:
Minocycline is found to be a synthetic tetracycline. These antibiotics prevent protein synthesis and effect the cells ability to reproduce.
Compatible with Maracyn (erythromycin).
Maracyn Plus
Active Ingredients: sulfadimidine and trimethoprim
Diseases: bacterial infections
Contraindications:
Much more preferred to a combination of Maracyn (erythromycin) and Maracyn 2 (minocycline).
Compatible with MediGold or Metromeds. Dose per instructions written on the bottle.
MarOxy
Diseases: true fungal infections on fish and eggs and bacterial disease
Melafix
Active ingredients: 1% melaluca oil
Diseases: wounds and tattered fins, bruises
Contraindications:
There were some situations where Melafix itself proved fatal on some fish species such as bettas as it was alleged that the oil can clog gills and therefore obstruct breathing. Not to be used with labyrinth fish or oxygen-challenged specimens.
Compatible with Pimafix and anything else.
Mercurochrome
Diseases: fungus, carp pox
Contraindications:
Mercurochrome is used as a topical application to ulcerated wounds or surgical wounds. Please do not put it in contact with the fish's mouth, eyes and gills although at a lesser extent, it will do less harm/damage compared in contact to human eyes.
Methylene Blue
Diseases: skin and gill flukes, velvet, fungus, ich, chilodonella, costia,
Contraindications:
A well known carcinogenic agent so exercise caution when using this. Compatible with salt and any antibiotics. Can be used as a topical treatment.
Metro Med
Active ingredients: Metronidazole, Ormetoprim-sulfa and Oxytetracycline
Diseases: Dropsy, internal bacterial infections and internal parasitic infections.
Contraindications:
Metro-Med is a krill based food that contains Metronidazole and an antibiotic used for treating Hexamita (hole in the head) in Goldfish. Because it contains anti-bacterial ingredients (Ormetoprim-sulfa and Oxytetracycline), metromed is not the best medication to use when trying to treat for internal parasites specifially.
Available in Goldfish Connection and Goldfish Utopia.
Metronidazole
Diseases: Internal Parasites, Hexamita or Hole-in-the-Head Disease
Contraindications:
An antibacterial parasiticide which is effective in most cases against internal parasites which can be characterized by white stringy poo in the fish's anus and even dropsy.
Not to be used in saltwater tanks.
Available in pharmacies as Flagyl or generic metronidazole (sometimes in liquid or tablet form) and as alternative to Metro Med for dropsy cases.
Myxazin
Diseases: fin rot, body rot, ulcers, sores and other bacterial infections, exophthalmus, cloudy eyes and mouth fungus.
N
Neomycin
Active ingredients: 200 mg, Neomycin Sulfate
Diseases: internal swelling, open sores, body and fin rot, colour and weight loss, wasting away
Contraindications:
This affects the bacterial cell membrane which is responsible for bringing nutrients into the cell and taking waste out of the cell. The antibiotics disrupt this process. It is toxic when overdosed and fatal to already weakened fish.
These antibiotics prevent protein synthesis and effect the cells ability to reproduce. Also a very powerful antibiotic that often is not resisted by various strains of bacteria making it the last but great choice for severe bacterial infections.
Best used as a bath/dip or topical treatment.
Dosage courtesy of Thegab.org:
1/4 of the package to a quart of distilled water placed in a ziplock freezer bag. Place the fish in the mixture for at least 5 minutes. Remove if fish is very distressed and cease continuation. Once the dip is done, put the fish in a separate container for a brief period (preferably 10-15 minutes) to rinse most of the antibiotic as Neomycin can destroy beneficial bacteria.
For topical treatment, use by spray method and hold fish carefully or while it is sedated (not recommended for beginners). You may seal the fish's eyes with your hands to calm it down while spraying the affected areas.
Requires three series of treatment daily or every other day. Antibiotic can be reused and filtered using filter paper or coffee filter if there is too much particles already suspended.
Available as Neocide 3 or Tricide Neo and by PondRx. Keep in cool dark place.
Neoplex
Active ingredients: Neomycin sulfate
Diseases: See Neomycin.
Contraindications:
See Neomycin.
Neosporin
Nitrofura G
Active ingredients: 200mg capsule, Furazolidone, Methyblue, Potassium Dichromate
Diseases: red patches, fin and tail rot, goldfish disease, bacterial infections, furunculosis
Nitrofurazone
Diseases: cloudy eyes, eroding fins and tails, external bacterial infections, and minor abrasions and wounds
Contraindications: Nitrofurazone is the antibiotic of choice for most bacterial problems. Nitrofurazone does not inhibit nitrifying bacteria, so fish may be treated in the display aquarium if necessary. An additional benefit of nitrofurazone is that it may be safely triple-dosed in difficult cases. Nitrofurazone will color the water yellow during treatment, but this color will quickly disappear after filtering through activated carbon. Dissolve nitrofurazone in aquarium water at 50 mgs per gallon every other day for seven days (four treatments) with a 25% water change between dosages. The level of medication in the aquarium will build up over the course of the treatments despite the water changes. Nitrofurazone may also be added to food at 6 mgs. Per 4 ounces (.05 mgs/gram) of food twice a day for nine days. If you find that nitrofurazone is ineffective against a particular for a bacterial problem; try a preparation of tetracycline according to its manufacturer's recommendations.
~Source unknown but extracted from Philippine Discus club by Jim Quarles.~
O
Octozin
Diseases: Hole in the head, seawater angelfish and clownfish disease, dropsy, marine ich
Organi-cure
Diseases: oodinium, costia, tetrahymena, and saltwater ich (cryptocaryon)
P
Paracide by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Citric acid, Cupric sulphate & Formaldehyde
Diseases: Protozoal & Fungal Infections in Pond fish.
Contraindications:
Harmful to inverts
Paragon
Active ingredients: Dibromohydroxymercuriluorescein, Malachite Green
Diseases: ectoparasites
Comments: Do not use for discus.
Paragon 2
Active ingredients: Metronidazole, Neomycin sulphate, Furazolidone, Naladixic acid & Sodium chloride
Diseases: Bacterial and parasite infections
Paraguard
Active ingredients: Aldehydes, Malachite Green, Polymers
Parazin
Diseases: fish lice (Argulus), anchor worm (Lernea), gill maggots (Ergasilus)
Contraindications:
Parazin is safe with fish, plants and filtration. Before using, read instructions carefully. Switch off UV sterilisers and remove carbon and/or ammonia removers. Replace after 10 days.
Penicillin
Active ingredients: Potassium Penicillin Activity
Diseases: General anti-fungal anti-bacterial, treats fin and tail rot, protruding or cloudy eyes, mouth sores, white cottony patches, bacterial infections (both gram-positive and gram-negative), popeye, gill disease, fungal infections
Contraindications:
This class works to weaken the bacterial cell wall so that when the cell divides (reproduces), it does not form properly and bursts as it grows, thereby killing the cell. For this drug to work, the bacteria cells must be actively growing and reproducing.
Permoxyn
Active ingredients: Potassium Permanganate
Diseases: chilodonella, tetrahymena, trichodina, gill flukes, anchorworms
Contraindications:
See Potassium Permanganate.
Pimafix
Active ingredients: Pimenta racemosa
Diseases: wounds, fungus, other stubborn diseases
Contraindications: This tonic has been known to be quite effective when combined with Melafix. It is safe for use in reef tanks and scaleless fish.
Pipazine
Active ingredients: 250 mg capsule, Pipazene Citrate
Diseases: Use when introducing new fish, contaminated food, Parasites, nematodes (camallanus and capillaria) and parasites in food
Potassium Permanganate
Diseases: chilodonella, tetrahymena, trichodina, gill flukes, anchorworms
Contraindications:
A 2 mg/L treatment is usually effective for ponds with relatively clear water. Potassium permanganate reacts with organic matter and becomes neutralized and unavailable to treat the target parasite. The greater the amount of organic matter in a pond, the more potassium permanganate required to achieve the desired chemical concentration. Therefore, a pond with moderate to heavy algal blooms will require a higher treatment rate to neutralize the organic matter in the pond and still achieve the desired concentration of 2 mg/L.
One popular method of treatment is to begin with an application of 2 mg/L potassium permanganate. If the pond remains pink to purple in color for 8--12 hours, then an effective treatment is assumed to have occurred, and no additional chemical is required. However, if within a 12-hour period, the pond turns brown, then an additional 1--2 mg/L treatment is required, depending on how quickly the pond turned brown. It is recommended that treatment begin in the morning so that the pond can be watched for the next 8- to 12-hour period, and any color change can be easily detected.
Praziquantel
Diseases: flukes, tapeworms, intestinal flagellates
Contraindications:
It is not effective against camallanus worms however it has been used numerous times successfully for fluke infestations and flagellates.
Available as Droncit (veterinary clinics as anthelmintic for cats and dogs), Prazipro (nearby USA petstores and online sites), Medi-Worm (Goldfish Connection; US location), Goldfish Utopia, PondRx, and Pet Mountain.
Dosage courtesy of Thegab.org:
Day 1 -- remove carbon, perform water change with vacuuming, and add Prazi to tank
Day 2 -- add Prazi
Day 3 -- do nothing
Day 4 -- do nothing
Day 5 -- do nothing
Day 6 -- add Prazi
Day 7 -- add Prazi
Day 8 -- normal partial water change with vacuuming
Day 14 - normal partial water change, then add prazi
Day 21 - normal partial water change, then add prazi
Day 28 - normal partial water change, then add prazi
Day 35 - normal partial water change, add carbon, treatment is complete
Recommended dosage: 2.5mg per liter. Considering this is a rather mild treatment, it is not very difficult to overdose.
Protozin
Diseases: ich, fungus, neon tetra disease, velvet, costia, trichodina
Contraindications:
Do not use when rays or momyrids are present.
Q
Quick Cure
Active Ingredients: Malachite green and Formalin
Diseases: Ich
Contraindications:
Both active ingredients are carcinogenic agents. See further information of both ingredients under Formalin/Formaldehyde and Malachite Green.
Dosage:
First day dose 1 drop per gallon
Second day perform 30% waterchange or more but add no medication
Third day dose 1 drop per gallon
Fourth day perform a waterchange 30% or more, add no medication
Fifth day add quick cure (1 drop per gallon)
Sixth day perform big waterchange and put fresh carbon in filter.
Be sure your water has plenty of oxygen as Rid-Ich can deplete oxygen levels.
Dosage instructions courtesy of Thegab.org.
Quinslex
Ingredients: 250 mg Quinine Activity
Diseases: Ich, white body blotches, parasites, brooklynella, cryptocaryon
R
Rid-Ich
Active Ingredients: Malachite green and Formalin
Diseases: Ich
Contraindications:
Both active ingredients are carcinogenic agents. See further information of both ingredients under Formalin/Formaldehyde and Malachite Green.
Dosage is one teaspoon per 10 gallons and must be done daily for at least a week and another three days after ich had seemingly disappeared. Do partial water changes before administering full dosage as required.
Be sure your water has plenty of oxygen as Rid-Ich can deplete oxygen levels.
Dosage information is courtesy of Thegab.org.
Romet B
Ingredients: sulfadimethoxine and ormetoprim
Diseases: erythrodermatitis, Edwardsiella ictaluri infections, Aeromonas infections,
Contraindications:
Another product approved for use on food fish by FDA.
Available in Goldfish Utopia in small quantities.
S
Sera Bakto Tabs
Diseases: Dropsy
Contraindications:
Please carry out treatment once any of the dropsy symptoms (protruding scales, bloated abdomen and pop eyes) appear.
Sera Baktopur
Active ingredients: acriflavine, methylene blue, phenylglycol, aqua purificata ad
Diseases: septicemia, dropsy, fungus, columnaris, fin rot, mouth rot
Contraindications:
It is best to use it only in the quarantine tank as it can harm the beneficial bacteria. This can be ineffective once the fish has reach the final stages of dropsy (assuming the cause is renal/kidney damage).
Sera Baktopur Direct
Diseases: serious bacterial infections, septicemia, dropsy
Contraindications:
This is a very effective medicine and may harm your biological filtration. So when treating, try to treat the fish in a hospital tank.
Sera Costapur
Diseases: Ich, Costia, Chilodonella, Trichodina
Sera Cyprinopur
Active ingredients: dihydroxybenzol, ethanol
Diseases: external parasites, spring virosis
Contraindications:
This medicine is sold in bulk as it is designed for ponds, however it can be used in the aquarium to treat diseases and external parasites like camallanus, anchorworms, fish leech and fish lice.
Sera Mycopur
Diseases: fungus (Saprolegnia) and skin and gill flukes
Sera Omnipur
Diseases: Bacterial infections, fin rot, fungal infections (Saprolegnia, Achlya), skin slime (Costia, Chilodonella), Trichodina, Oodinium, gill and skin flukes (Dactylogyrus or Gyrodactylus), skin injuries and wounds.
Sera Oodinopur A
Active ingredients: Copper sulfate
Diseases: freshwater and saltwater Oodinium
Contraindications:
See information under Copper Sulfate above (scroll list back to "C").
Sinclair Fin Rot Terminator
Ingredients: Silver Proteinate
Diseases: External Bacterial infections in Freshwater Fish.
Contraindications:
Best effects at 16-27C
Sinclair White Spot Terminator (WS3)
Ingredients: Acriflavine, Malachite Green & Quinine sulphate
Diseases: Protozoal Infections in Freshwater fish.
Contraindications:
Best used at 25-30C. Toxic to marine life.
Spectrogram
Ingredients: 150 mg capsule, Kanamycin Sulfate, Nitrofurazone activity
Diseases: bloated abdomen, red patches, hemorrhages, white body slime, dropsy, bacterial infections, furunculosis, columnaris, fungus
Sterazin
Diseases: gill and body parasites, round worms, thread worms, intestinal worms
Contraindications:
Do not use when crustaceans, echinoderms, rays, seawater sharks, pirahna, sturgeon or sterlets and related species are present. In these instances use Waterlife PARAGON.
Super Sulfa
Ingredients: 150 mg capsule, Sulfamethazine, Sulfathiazole, Sulfadiazine, Sulfamerazine, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Diseases: wide spectrum anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, treats cottony patches, fin and tail rot, white body and fin patches, fungal infections, molly disease, columnaris
Super Velvet Plus
Ingredients: Acriflavine and sodium chloride
Diseases: Velvet Specific, treats Velvet, body shimmy, collapsed fins, white patches on fish, body fungus.
T
Terramycin
Ingredients: Oxytetracycline
Diseases: erythrodermatitis, enteric red mouth (Yersinia ruckeri), aeromonas and pseudomonas infection among catfish
Contraindications:
This has been approved for use on food catfish such as channel catfish by the FDA.
Tetracycline
Ingredients: 250 mg capsule of Tetracycline Hydrochloride activity
Diseases: antibiotic, treats ulcers and open soars, frayed fins, mouth and body sores, abdominal bloat, red patches, bacterial infections, livebearer disease, fungal infections, dropsy, furunculosis
Contraindications:
Cannot be combined with any meds except for medicated foods. Very effective at low pH or acidic water condition with pH no more than 7.4-7.5 otherwise ineffective when used with salt and high hardness levels.
Tetrafin Gold Med Goldfish Disease Treatment by Tetra
Ingredients: Formaldehyde & Malachite Green oxalate
Diseases: Flukes, External Bacterial, Protozoal & Fungal infections in Coldwater Aquarium fish.
Trichlorfon (Masoten)
Also registers as dimethyl 2,2,2-trichloro-1-hydroxyethyl) phosphonate.
Diseases: monogenean flukes, Gyrodactylus (skin fluke) and Dactylogyrus (gill fluke), as well as leeches and crustacean ectoparasites. Argulus (fish lice) and Lernaea (anchor worm), Trichodina spp. Ergasilus spp
Contraindications:
It is not a recommended drug as it has proven itself harmful for human and animal use. It is available under its trade name Bayer Masoten, Metriphonate or Dylox and pet store medicines such as Dylox and Life-bearer (all information mentioned above) and has been banned in many countries.
Tricide Neo
See Neomycin.
Triple Sulfa
Active Ingredients: 332 mg sodium sulfathiazole, 84 mg sodium sulfamethazine, 84 mg sodium suldacetamide per capsule
Diseases: bacterial infections
Contraindications:
A product by API.
U
Ultra Cure BX
Active ingredients: Nitrofurazone 0.03%, Triple Sulfa (Sulfadiazine, Sulfamethazine, and Sulfamerazine) 0.03%
Ultra Cure PX
Active ingredients: Praziquantel 0.0057%, Flubenol 0.03%, Metronidazole 0.30%
Diseases: internal parasites and flagellates
Contraindications:
Retrieved from Thegab.org source.
Instructions: "Hold back all feeding for 1 day before using. Then use Ultra Cure PX as the only product offered to the fish when fed. Add to the aquarium with the dropper tip on the bottle. Hold bottle 2 inches above water surface and squeeze. Offer at least 5 drops per fish twice a day. Repeat every 24 hours for 3 days."
Another product that contains ingredients to combat the three major types of internal parasites (nematodes, cestodes and monogenean trematodes ; for further information, see information below Jungle Anti-Parasite Medicated Food). It is available through mail-order from most major internal companies that sell aquarium products (In Canada available through mops.ca) More stores will likely carry this product soon. As it is fairly new there are not that many reports as to how well this product works and whether fish will readily eat the gel.
V
Vitamix Plus
Ingredients: Vitamins, A, B6, B12, C, D, E, Thiamine, Niacin, Riboflavin, Phytosterois, Minerals, Amino Acids and Preservatives
Diseases: prevention of Avitaminosis, loss of colour, listlessness, poor diet, dietary stress, poor growth
*A word of warning: When using the meds, please do not mix them unless it is advisable. Mixing the meds can be dangerous to the fish. After using one med, use activated carbon in the filter to remove the med and you can use another. This will enable you to use another med without the risk of mixing them. See Contraindications and read carefully for compatibility issues with other meds.
Furthermore, please do not use the medicines until you are sure of what you are doing. Consult a person with full knowledge in the hobby first before you proceed with the treatments.
A few more notes:
1. Some meds are water soluble and may bind to organic matter so a full redose may be required every 24 hours. Some meds however linger for a long time so be very careful in weighing your options which treatment to use and plan ahead your dosage schedule.
2. Some meds are light sensitive. It is for this reason why they are placed in opaque bottles. As a general rule, keep the meds inside cool dark places.
3. KEEP OUT OF REACH FROM YOUR CHILDREN AND PETS. Some meds are extremely toxic and already banned by FDA from use towards pets and animals intended for human consumption. Be sure you padlock the meds elsewhere out of reach from your children. If possible, include the TOXIC symbols in bottles and cabinets where you place the meds in.
4. Be sure the meds do not leak from their bottles and do not combine bottles of potent meds in one place.
5. A lot of meds are also carcinogenic so handle them with care. If possible, store some gloves and first aid kits for emergency cases. Do not drain recognized carcinogens in your garden where you grow your foods. Pour the contaminated water and other liquids straight to the drain.
6. Some meds are flammable. Keep in cool dark places.
References:
Thegab.org
Kokosgoldfish.com
Drfosterandsmith.com
Representation:
API-Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Inc.
BB-beneficial bacteria
A
Acriflavine
Diseases: Brooklynella hostilis, Costia (Ichtyhobodo necatrix), Columnaris, Carp Pox, Fin Rot and other diseases related to bacterial infections
Contraindications: Acriflavine is found mainly as ingredient in several medications and is very effective in most bacterial infection cases. It is compatible with malachite green and copper sulfate however it may sterilize your prized breeders so avoid using this for breeding fish.
You should wear gloves and protect all surfaces with plastic. It will stain the glass inside the aquarium meaning it is difficult to remove. All surfaces affected will need to do some serious cleaning which isn't easy. Use thick papertoweling or a rag when cleaning the whole inside as the acriflavine sticks.
A quarantine tank with bare bottom and sponge type filter is the best way to prepare for using it. Something that can be broken down and set back up easily after cleaning would be your best bet.
Aquari-Sol
Diseases: ich
Aquarium Care Fin Rot by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Acriflavine, Aminoacridine, Hydrocloride & Formaldehyde
Diseases: Flukes and external bacterial infections
Aquarium Care Fungus by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Malachite Green
Diseases: Fungal & Ectoparasite infections
Aquarium Doctor: BSB by Tap
Active ingredients: Acriflavine, Hydrochloride & Malachite Green
Diseases: External bacterial & fungal infections in Freshwater & Marine fish.
Aquarium Doctor: FC11 by Tap
Active ingredients: Acriflavine, EDTA, Silver, Copper, Polyvinylpyrrolidone & Organic Sulphur
Diseases: External Bacterial infections in Marine fish.
Aquarium Doctor: MM2 by Tap
Active ingredients: Copper sulphate, Malachite Green, Polyvinylpyrrolidone & Organic Sulphur
Diseases: External Bacterial, Oodinum & fungal infections in Marine fish. Contraindications:
Harmful to inverts
Aquarium Doctor: WSP by Tap
Active ingredients: Formaldehyde, Malachite Green, Methylene Blue, Para Rosaniline & Sodium chloride
Diseases: Protozoal infections and Flukes in Freshwater & Marine fish.
Contraindications:
Harmful to morymids. Use half dose if marine invertebrates are present.
Aquarium Salt-Freshwater use only
Diseases: ich, flukes, nitrite poisoning
Contraindications: Further information can be found below.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=226328
Dosage: A 0.1% solution which is one teaspoon per gallon will work just fine for bottom dwellers such as loaches and catfishes. Contrary to popular beliefs, salt can work perfectly well as a treatment if added slowly and carefully to avoid osmotic shock.
0.3% solution (3 teaspoons per gallon) will work just fine as preventive and corrective treatment for quarantine procedures and treatment against protozoans, flukes and most pathogens.
B
Bactocide by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Acriflavine, Aminoacridine, Hydrochloride & Formaldehyde
Diseases: External Bacterial, Oodinum & Flukes
Baytril
Active ingredients: Enrofloxacin
Diseases: bacterial infections
Contraindications:
Best used as injectable antibiotic for renal cysts and internal bacterial infections. For baths, dosage is 0.8 mg per liter.
Available in veterinary clinics. Some veterinary clinics may require you prescriptions before you can obtain it.
Bettafix
Active Ingredients: 0.2% melaluca oil
Diseases: Wounds
Contraindications:
See Melafix. Bettafix has a much lesser concentration as melaluca oil can potentially choke the labyrinth fish.
Bettamax
Active ingredients: 250 mg capsule, Nitrofurazone, Methylene Blue, PVP, Vitamins, NaCl, Sulfas: Methazine, Diazine and Merazine
Diseases: Specific for bettas, guppies, and all fancy fin fish. Treats listlessness, poor appetite, splits and holes in fins and tail, poor colour, poor water quality, vitamin deficiency, bacterial infections, fungal infections
Binox
Active ingredients: nitrofurazone, sodium chloride
Diseases: fungus, fin/tail/mouth rot, hemorrhage septicemia, swim bladder disorder, dropsy and cloudy eyes.
Bio Bandage
Active Ingredients:
neomycin sulfate, methylene blue, cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), binder, adhesion agents in isotonic, aqueous solution
Diseases: ulcers
Contraindications:
Used as a topical treatment for ulcerated wounds. Available at Pond Solutions.
BSB (Broad Spectrum Bactericide) by The Aquarium Doctor
Contraindications: Very effective cure for fin rot, gill disease, fungus, ulcers, wounds and bacterial disorders in all fishes.
C
Chloramine T
Diseases: bacterial infections, costia, trichodina, chilodonella, ich, gyrodactylus, dactygyridae
Contraindications: For more information, please proceed to this site.
Chloramphenicol
Contraindications:
These antibiotics prevent protein synthesis and effect the cells ability to reproduce. Best used as injectable antibiotics.
Clout
Active ingredients: trichlorfon, malachite green, hydroxychloroquine
Diseases: Ectoparasites
Clove Oil
Contraindications:
Clove oil is a very strong herbal agent so use it in a well ventilated area. This is best used as a sedative or for euthanasia. Also known as eugenol.
Sedation is NOT advisable for beginners to attempt. Instructions must be followed carefully otherwise you risk killing your fish in the process.
Place at least 5-6 drops of clove oil in a ziplock bag with at least a quart of water already in there. Shake well and pour into a gallon bucket of water. Place the fish there and wait for a few minutes before the fish dives into unconsciousness. Be sure your much needed tools are already organized and within your reach. Do your work as quickly as you can (with caution). Once work is done, start spraying water near the gills of the fish to remove some clove oil sticking on it. Place the fish into another bucket of fresh clean water until the fish revives itself. Make sure the bucket is ell aerated using an airpump to do the job.
Available as toothache drop in pharmacies.
Copper Sulfate
Diseases: most protozoans, nemotodes, copepods, flukes
Contraindications:
It must be noted it is very dangerous to use copper sulfate when treating your tank. A copper test kit is required at this rate when treating regardless of it being chelated or unchelated. It must match the type of copper being used, chelated or unchelated, if the test is incompatible with the type of copper being used, you won't get an accurate reading for that. It is best to treat in a hospital tank only as even small traces cannot be removed from the main tank easily. Carbon cannot remove most of the copper so think twice before you attempt this.
Copper can harm and destroy all invertebrates and plants so think before you add it to your main community tank. This eventually leads to dire effects on the fish as well as other aquatic life.
Never use copper in tanks containing salt, invertebrates, with immunity-challenged fish and with drastic pH changes especially acidic water conditions.
Coumaphos
Diseases: external parasites
Contraindications:
An extremely toxic pesticide used by some pond owners to destroy fish lice and anchorworms. Not a recommended treatment. Dimilin (diflubenzuron) is a much more advisable alternative.
Cupramine
Active ingredients: chelated copper
Diseases: most protozoans, nemotodes, copepods, flukes
Contraindications:
See Copper Sulfate.
Cuprazin
Diseases: Whitespot, Oodinium, Benedenia, Trichodina and fungal infections
D
Dimilin
Diseases: anchorworms (Lernaea elegans), fish lice, ergasilus
Contraindications:
See thread for more details. Available under another name, diflubenzuron.
Discomed
Active ingredients: 250mg capsules of Levamisole, NaCl, Piperazine, Magnesium sulfate and Neomycin Sulfate Activity
Diseases: Intestinal flagellates
Contraindications:
This is another alternative to Levamisole hydrochloride which is an anti-worm agent.
Diseasolve Aquarium Antiseptic by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Acriflavine & Meythelene Blue
Diseases: External bacterial & Protozoal infections
Diseasolve by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Acriflavine & Meythelene Blue
Diseases: External Bacterial & Ectoparasite infections in Koi & other carp.
E
E.M. Tablets
Active ingredients: erythromycin
Diseases: bacterial infections
Contraindications:
See Erythromycin. A product of API (Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.).
Epsom Salts
Active ingredients: pure Magnesium sulfate
Diseases: dropsy/bloat, intestinal flagellates
Dosage: 1/8 teaspoon to 1/2 teaspoon per 10 gallons.
Erythromycin
Diseases: bacterial infections, intestinal flagellates
Contraindications:
It was noted to be quite effective when the pH is neutral or slightly alkaline.
Compatible with Metromeds but incompatible with MediGold.
F
Fenbendazole
Also registers as methyl-5- benzol-benaimidizole-2-carbamate.
Diseases: roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms
Contraindications:
It is considered a very effective treatment against nematodes (camallanus worms and capillaria).
Flubenol
Diseases: intestinal parasites
Contraindications:
Available in UK only.
Formalin
Diseases: ich, external protozoans
Contraindications:
Formalin should be administered in a well ventilated area. It is a carcinogenic agent so please exercise caution when using such product. Toxicity may elevate in connection to high temperature above 70 degrees.
Formalin can deplete oxygen so keep your water well-aerated.
This is not compatible with salt so refrain from using any commercial product containing formalin with salt.
Dosage: 2 teaspoons per 10g (20ppm). Dose half only for severely weakened fish. Water changes need to be performed first before redosing med. May be redosed on a daily basis for at least a week or two and continue treatment 3-4 more days right after ich disappears.
Formalite II
Active ingredients: Formaldehyde 15%, Copper and Nickel Sulfate
Diseases: ich, velvet disease, collapsed fins, white body blotches, marine ich (Cryptocarion irritans)
Contraindications: Due to copper sulfate content, this should be used only in quarantine tanks. Copper traces can destroy invertebrates. Not to be used with salt.
Fungistop by Tetra
Active ingredients: Silver collid & Mentanii yellow.
Diseases: bacterial and fungal infections
Furacyn
Active ingredients: 100 mg capsules, Nitrofurazone Activity
Diseases: red areas and body streaks, peeling or white body slime, open ulcers, wasting away, bacterial infections, ammonia exposure, furunculosis, columnaris
Furan 2
Active Ingredients: nitrofurazone, furazolidone, methylene blue trihydrate
Diseases: bacterial infections
Contraindications:
Furazolidone and nitrofurazone are carcinogenic agents. A product of API.
Furanase
Active ingredients: Nifurpirinol
Diseases: mouth fungus, tail rot, cotton-wool disease, black molly disease
G
General Tonic by Tetra
Active ingredients: Ethacridine-lactate, acriflavine, methylene blue & 9-aminocridine-hydrocloride.
Gentamycin
Diseases: bacterial infections
Contraindications:
This affects the bacterial cell membrane which is responsible for bringing nutrients into the cell and taking waste out of the cell. The antibiotics disrupt this process. It is toxic when overdosed.
Goldfix
Active ingredients: NaCl, sodium thiosulphate (chlorine treatment aka fixer), nitrofurazone, polyvinyl-pyrrolidone, triethylene glycol, acriflavine, potassium dichromate.
H
Hex-A-Mit
Active ingredients: 250 mg capsule, Metronidazole Activity
Diseases: white dots or body velvet, holes in the head or sinus area, weight loss, not eating and wasting away, unexplained deaths which can be minimized, marine Ich or protozoans, fresh and marine protozoans
Hydrogen Peroxide
I
Interpet Anti Fungus and Finrot
Diseases: Mycobacteriosis, bacterial and fungal infections
Contraindications:
Anti Fungus and Finrot is a single dose treatment which is added directly to the aquarium to quickly and effectively control disease bacteria on and off the fish. The treatment remains active for a few days, preventing further outbreaks.
Interpet Anti Internal Bacteria (Fish Health Treatment Number 9)
Active ingredients: Bronopol (522mg), Formaldehyde (900mg) and Benzalkonium Chloride (250mg)
Contraindications:
All check out as being legitimate fish treatments pretty much, in fact for bacteria and parasites but would have to be considered as very aggressive and crude. It's a two part treatment and you must dose the second part after 4 days. Like all aggressive treatments using it with another treatment would be nuts. You don't do water changes during treatment (one week) so advise large change prior to dosing so as to not have high nitrates - this I think is pretty important in e.g. a fully stocked cichlid tank. After dosing and waiting out as per directions run carbon or do very large water changes over a couple of days.
It has no antibiotic agent.
Does it work ? I don't know. I read up on the active ingredients and they scared me.lol I went with good old fashioned large daily changes for a week and my problem resolved. I would use only in cases where this has been tried and is not working, fish are dieing, and you don't have access to e.g. Maracyn/Maracyn 2.
On another issue, it does say on the box "harmful to aquatic organisms. may cause long term adverse effects in the aquatic environment"....
It does claim to be plant and bacterial filtration safe nonetheless. I can't see that it would be harmful to inverts as no copper.
Finally, I believe it is not really a specifically anti-bacterial treatment - the formaldehyde and Bronopol is also indicated for parasites.
Best way to use it IMO is buy it, read the box, show the fish the box, explain that if they don't get better then they're getting this stuff. It will terrify them back to health.
Interpet Anti Slime and Velvet
Active ingredients: Velvet, Flukes, Chilodonella, Ichthyobodo (Costia), Trichodina and Brooklynella
Contraindications:
Fish often carry a small risk of skin and gill parasites. When fish are stressed, this population will rapidly increase, endangering the fishes' lives.
Anti Slime and Velvet will eradicate velvet (Oodinium and Amlyoodinium), flukes (Dactylogyrus and Gyrodactylus) and protozoan parasites including Chilodonella, Ichthyobodo (Costia), Trichodina and Brooklynella.
Anti Slime and Velvet has been formulated for use in both marine and freshwater aquariums. A single dose remains active in the aquarium long enough to cure the disease episode. Most parasite outbreaks are cured more quickly at higher temperatures - we recommend a temperature of 27C/80F for the duration of the treatment.
Interpet Liquisil General Tonic
Active ingredients: Bronopol, Copper, Formaldehyde, Silver Proteinate
Contraindications:
This is a medicine not advisable for use. Why? After a few research done by a fellow member, Bronopol which is one of its active ingredients has the potential to kill all livestocks and plants if not used properly. It is highly toxic even to the users. Copper is another matter and should not be used where invertebrates are concerned.
The silver proteinate is for staining purposes and can block out light which can kill most fungal developments.
Interpet Koi Anti Fungus and Bacterial
Active ingredients: Acrflavine, Malachite Green & Methylene Blue
Diseases: External bacterial & Fungal infections in Pond fish.
Contraindications:
Harmful to Orfe, Rudd and Stergeons/Sterlets
Interpet Koi Anti Parasite FS
Active ingredients: Formaldehyde, Malachite Green & Methylene Blue
Diseases: Flukes & Protozoal infections in Pond Fish.
J
Jungle Antibacterial Medicated Food
Active Ingredients: Sodium Sulfathiazole 2.3%, Nitrofurazone 0.13%
Ingredients: Ingredients: Soybean Meal, Sorghum Distillers Dried Grain with Solubles, Ground Grain Sorghum, Fish Meal, Fish Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, dl-Methionine, Ascorbic Acid, Ethoxyquin (a preservative), Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Niacin Supplement, Folic Acid, Riboflavin Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfate Complex, Biotin, Choline Chloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Cobalt Carbonate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Ferrous Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin A Supplement, Mineral Oil, and Vitamin B-12 Supplement.
Diseases: Internal bacterial infections (such as bacterial enteritis, septicemia, kidney disease, wasting), external infections, open sores, ulcers, columnaris and fin rot. Also helps reduce the effects of microsporidian infections such as Pleistophora, the causative agent in neon tetra disease.
Feeding Directions:
Gently spread food over water surface so that it floats. Feed exclusively for 5 to 10 days as required. Do not use other foods during this period. Feed as much as the fish will eat, 1 or 2 times daily. May be used with external water treatments, antibiotic/fungal or parasite treatments. For scavengers and small fish, crush pellets to desired size.
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein.....min. 36%
Crude Fat..... ......min. 7%
Crude Fiber.........max. 6%
Moisture...........max. 10%
Calcium...............min. 1%
Calcium............max. 1.8%
Phosphorus..........min. 1%
Sodium............min. 0.15%
Sodium.............max. 0.3%
Jungle Anti-Parasite Medicated Fish Food
Active Ingredients: Metronidazole 1.0%, Praziquantel 0.5%, Levamisole 0.4
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein..........min. 36%
Crude Fat.................min.7%
Crude Fibermax................6%
Moisture................max. 10%
Calcium....................min. 1%
Calcium.................max. 1.8%
Phosphorus...............min. 1%
Sodium.................min. 0.15%
Sodium..................max. 0.3%
Ingredients: Soybean Meal, Sorghum Distillers Dried Grain with Solubles, Ground Grain Sorghum, Fish Meal, Fish Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, dl-Methionine, Ascorbic Acid, Ethoxyquin (a preservative), Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Niacin Supplement, Folic Acid, Riboflavin Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfate Complex, Biotin, Choline Chloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Cobalt Carbonate, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Ferrous Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin A Supplement, Mineral Oil, and Vitamin B-12 Supplement.
Diseases:
For Internal Parasites
Aids in control of internal flagellates, trematodes, and cestodes, which includes hexamita (hole-in-the-head), spironucleus, intestinal worms, tapeworms, and nematodes, e.g. camallanus.
Feeding Directions:
Gently spread food over water surface so that it floats. Feed exclusively for 3 consecutive days a week for 4 weeks. Do not use other foods during these 3-day periods. Feed as much as the fish will eat 1 or 2 times daily. May be used with external water treatments, antibiotic/fungal or anti-parasitic treatments. For scavengers and small fish, crush pellets to desired size.
Contraindications:
Effective against nematodes (camallanus and capillaria), cestodes (flatworms), flagellates (hexamita, sprironucleus) and monogenean trematodesx (flukes) as covered by three ingredients, all of which are anthelmintics.
Available at Goldfish Utopia, courtesy of Thegab.org.
Jungle Fungus Clear
Active ingredients: nitrofurazone, furazolidone, potassium dichromate
Diseases: bacterial and fungal infections, costia
Contraindications:
See Jungle Fungus Eliminator. The only difference is this one has salt added to keep bacterial infections at bay.
Jungle Fungus Eliminator (crystals)
Active ingredients: NaCl, Nitrofurazone, furazolidone, potassium dichromate.
Diseases: Columnaris, furunculosis, Costia, dropsy, fin and mouth rot, white film on eyes (usually cataracts and cloudy eyes), hemorrhage septicemia
Contraindications:
It is an effective treatment for fungal infections on bettas, however it can damage live plants.
Jungle Ick Guard
Active ingredients: .20% triethylene glycol, victoria green, nitromersol, acriflavine
Diseases: treats Ich (white spot)
K
Kanacyn
Active ingredients: 150 mg capsules, Kanamycin Sulfate, and NaCl
Diseases: full spectrum skin absorbing antibiotic, treats hemorrhage, red body patches, rotting fins and tail rot, protruding or loss of scales, furunculosis, bacterial infections, fungal infections, internal infections.
Contraindications:
This affects the bacterial cell membrane which is responsible for bringing nutrients into the cell and taking waste out of the cell. The antibiotics disrupt this process. It is toxic when overdosed.
These antibiotics prevent protein synthesis and effect the cells ability to reproduce.
Not to be used in fish with dropsy assuming the cause is associated to kidney malfunction. More effective with high pH and hardness levels, the opposite of tetracycline.
Koi Care Acriflavine by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Acriflavine
Diseases: External bacterial, protozoal & fungal infections in Pond fish.
Contraindications:
Can be used with tropicals with care as it is easy to overdose.
Koi Care Calm by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Clove oil
Contraindications:
Very easy to overdose as clove oil is used for euthanasia.
Koi Care FMG by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Formaldehyde & Malachite Green
Diseases: Fungal & Protozoal infections in Pond fish.
Contraindications:
Can be used with tropicals with care as it is easy to overdose. Harmful to Orfe, Rudd, Tench and Stergeons/Sterlets.
Koi Care Gillwash by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Benzalkionium chloride
Diseases: Bacterial Gill infections in Pond Fish.
Contraindications:
Harmful to nitrifying bacteria; use half dose in soft water.
Koi Care Malachite Green by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Malachite Green
Diseases: Fungal & external Parasite infections in Pond Fish.
Koi Care Ulcer-Swab by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Benzalkonium chloride & Providone
Contraindications:
Used as a cleaner of wounds on Pond Fish. Apply directly to fish without leaking it near gills, mouth and eyes, and do not dose in pond.
Koi Care Wound Seal by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Zinc cream
Contraindications:
Used to seal wounds and promote healing in Pond Fish. Note Apply directly to fish, do not dose pond
Kordon Ich Attack
Diseases: ich, other protozoans, dinoflagellates, and fungus
More information can be found here.
L
Levamisole hydrochloride
Diseases: roundworms, lungworms, nematodes, nodular worms, hookworms, stomach worms
Not effective against flukes, flatworms and tapeworms as experimented by Chefkeith.
Contraindications:
This is often used in cattles however it has proven itself effective in fish as well. It is used as a defense mechanism against parasites found among wild-caught fish particularly loaches.
Levamisole hydrochloride has been found labelled in other names and is also found as an ingredient in some medications. It is light-sensitive and should be stored in a cool and dark place. It is worth noting that it is also found as Levasole.
For more information and treatment recommendations, you can proceed to this thread. Liv2padl has some great recommendations on this.
Life Bearer
Active ingredients: 0.0-dimehyl, 1-hydroxybenzol, 2-trichloromethyl phosphate
Diseases: flukes and fish lice
Lifeguard All-In-One (New) from Tetra
Diseases: Ich, Fungus, Bacterial Infections
Lufenuron
Diseases: fish lice, anchorworm, ergasilus
Contraindications:
Proven to be quite effective against parasites and is an active ingredients in flea dog sprays.
M
Malachite Green
Diseases: ich, fungus, saprolegnia
Contraindications:
A well known carcinogenic agent that is also listed as Victoria green, Aniline green, diamond green or any "green". More toxic at high temperature and pH and can kill your beneficial bacteria and even plants. Not to be used in saline solution more than 0.2% (2 teaspoons per gallon).
Maracide-freshwater
Active ingredients: Tris (hydroxy-methyl) aminomethane, dibromohydroxymercurifluorescein, aniline green.
Diseases: Ich, Velvet, protozoan diseases, chilodonella (blueish-white film on fish) Trichodina (extra mucus and cloudiness of skin) and other external freshwater parasites
Maracyn
Active ingredients: Erythromycin
Diseases: gram positive bacterial infections, fin and tail rot, popeye, body fungus
Comments:
These antibiotics prevent protein synthesis and effect the cells ability to reproduce.
Further information can be found under the name Erythromycin.
Maracyn 2
Active ingredients: Minocycline
Diseases: gram negative bacterial infections, dropsy, hemorrhage septicemia, popeye, fin and tail rot.
Contraindications:
Minocycline is found to be a synthetic tetracycline. These antibiotics prevent protein synthesis and effect the cells ability to reproduce.
Compatible with Maracyn (erythromycin).
Maracyn Plus
Active Ingredients: sulfadimidine and trimethoprim
Diseases: bacterial infections
Contraindications:
Much more preferred to a combination of Maracyn (erythromycin) and Maracyn 2 (minocycline).
Compatible with MediGold or Metromeds. Dose per instructions written on the bottle.
MarOxy
Diseases: true fungal infections on fish and eggs and bacterial disease
Melafix
Active ingredients: 1% melaluca oil
Diseases: wounds and tattered fins, bruises
Contraindications:
There were some situations where Melafix itself proved fatal on some fish species such as bettas as it was alleged that the oil can clog gills and therefore obstruct breathing. Not to be used with labyrinth fish or oxygen-challenged specimens.
Compatible with Pimafix and anything else.
Mercurochrome
Diseases: fungus, carp pox
Contraindications:
Mercurochrome is used as a topical application to ulcerated wounds or surgical wounds. Please do not put it in contact with the fish's mouth, eyes and gills although at a lesser extent, it will do less harm/damage compared in contact to human eyes.
Methylene Blue
Diseases: skin and gill flukes, velvet, fungus, ich, chilodonella, costia,
Contraindications:
A well known carcinogenic agent so exercise caution when using this. Compatible with salt and any antibiotics. Can be used as a topical treatment.
Metro Med
Active ingredients: Metronidazole, Ormetoprim-sulfa and Oxytetracycline
Diseases: Dropsy, internal bacterial infections and internal parasitic infections.
Contraindications:
Metro-Med is a krill based food that contains Metronidazole and an antibiotic used for treating Hexamita (hole in the head) in Goldfish. Because it contains anti-bacterial ingredients (Ormetoprim-sulfa and Oxytetracycline), metromed is not the best medication to use when trying to treat for internal parasites specifially.
Available in Goldfish Connection and Goldfish Utopia.
Metronidazole
Diseases: Internal Parasites, Hexamita or Hole-in-the-Head Disease
Contraindications:
An antibacterial parasiticide which is effective in most cases against internal parasites which can be characterized by white stringy poo in the fish's anus and even dropsy.
Not to be used in saltwater tanks.
Available in pharmacies as Flagyl or generic metronidazole (sometimes in liquid or tablet form) and as alternative to Metro Med for dropsy cases.
Myxazin
Diseases: fin rot, body rot, ulcers, sores and other bacterial infections, exophthalmus, cloudy eyes and mouth fungus.
N
Neomycin
Active ingredients: 200 mg, Neomycin Sulfate
Diseases: internal swelling, open sores, body and fin rot, colour and weight loss, wasting away
Contraindications:
This affects the bacterial cell membrane which is responsible for bringing nutrients into the cell and taking waste out of the cell. The antibiotics disrupt this process. It is toxic when overdosed and fatal to already weakened fish.
These antibiotics prevent protein synthesis and effect the cells ability to reproduce. Also a very powerful antibiotic that often is not resisted by various strains of bacteria making it the last but great choice for severe bacterial infections.
Best used as a bath/dip or topical treatment.
Dosage courtesy of Thegab.org:
1/4 of the package to a quart of distilled water placed in a ziplock freezer bag. Place the fish in the mixture for at least 5 minutes. Remove if fish is very distressed and cease continuation. Once the dip is done, put the fish in a separate container for a brief period (preferably 10-15 minutes) to rinse most of the antibiotic as Neomycin can destroy beneficial bacteria.
For topical treatment, use by spray method and hold fish carefully or while it is sedated (not recommended for beginners). You may seal the fish's eyes with your hands to calm it down while spraying the affected areas.
Requires three series of treatment daily or every other day. Antibiotic can be reused and filtered using filter paper or coffee filter if there is too much particles already suspended.
Available as Neocide 3 or Tricide Neo and by PondRx. Keep in cool dark place.
Neoplex
Active ingredients: Neomycin sulfate
Diseases: See Neomycin.
Contraindications:
See Neomycin.
Neosporin
Nitrofura G
Active ingredients: 200mg capsule, Furazolidone, Methyblue, Potassium Dichromate
Diseases: red patches, fin and tail rot, goldfish disease, bacterial infections, furunculosis
Nitrofurazone
Diseases: cloudy eyes, eroding fins and tails, external bacterial infections, and minor abrasions and wounds
Contraindications: Nitrofurazone is the antibiotic of choice for most bacterial problems. Nitrofurazone does not inhibit nitrifying bacteria, so fish may be treated in the display aquarium if necessary. An additional benefit of nitrofurazone is that it may be safely triple-dosed in difficult cases. Nitrofurazone will color the water yellow during treatment, but this color will quickly disappear after filtering through activated carbon. Dissolve nitrofurazone in aquarium water at 50 mgs per gallon every other day for seven days (four treatments) with a 25% water change between dosages. The level of medication in the aquarium will build up over the course of the treatments despite the water changes. Nitrofurazone may also be added to food at 6 mgs. Per 4 ounces (.05 mgs/gram) of food twice a day for nine days. If you find that nitrofurazone is ineffective against a particular for a bacterial problem; try a preparation of tetracycline according to its manufacturer's recommendations.
~Source unknown but extracted from Philippine Discus club by Jim Quarles.~
O
Octozin
Diseases: Hole in the head, seawater angelfish and clownfish disease, dropsy, marine ich
Organi-cure
Diseases: oodinium, costia, tetrahymena, and saltwater ich (cryptocaryon)
P
Paracide by NT Labs
Active ingredients: Citric acid, Cupric sulphate & Formaldehyde
Diseases: Protozoal & Fungal Infections in Pond fish.
Contraindications:
Harmful to inverts
Paragon
Active ingredients: Dibromohydroxymercuriluorescein, Malachite Green
Diseases: ectoparasites
Comments: Do not use for discus.
Paragon 2
Active ingredients: Metronidazole, Neomycin sulphate, Furazolidone, Naladixic acid & Sodium chloride
Diseases: Bacterial and parasite infections
Paraguard
Active ingredients: Aldehydes, Malachite Green, Polymers
Parazin
Diseases: fish lice (Argulus), anchor worm (Lernea), gill maggots (Ergasilus)
Contraindications:
Parazin is safe with fish, plants and filtration. Before using, read instructions carefully. Switch off UV sterilisers and remove carbon and/or ammonia removers. Replace after 10 days.
Penicillin
Active ingredients: Potassium Penicillin Activity
Diseases: General anti-fungal anti-bacterial, treats fin and tail rot, protruding or cloudy eyes, mouth sores, white cottony patches, bacterial infections (both gram-positive and gram-negative), popeye, gill disease, fungal infections
Contraindications:
This class works to weaken the bacterial cell wall so that when the cell divides (reproduces), it does not form properly and bursts as it grows, thereby killing the cell. For this drug to work, the bacteria cells must be actively growing and reproducing.
Permoxyn
Active ingredients: Potassium Permanganate
Diseases: chilodonella, tetrahymena, trichodina, gill flukes, anchorworms
Contraindications:
See Potassium Permanganate.
Pimafix
Active ingredients: Pimenta racemosa
Diseases: wounds, fungus, other stubborn diseases
Contraindications: This tonic has been known to be quite effective when combined with Melafix. It is safe for use in reef tanks and scaleless fish.
Pipazine
Active ingredients: 250 mg capsule, Pipazene Citrate
Diseases: Use when introducing new fish, contaminated food, Parasites, nematodes (camallanus and capillaria) and parasites in food
Potassium Permanganate
Diseases: chilodonella, tetrahymena, trichodina, gill flukes, anchorworms
Contraindications:
A 2 mg/L treatment is usually effective for ponds with relatively clear water. Potassium permanganate reacts with organic matter and becomes neutralized and unavailable to treat the target parasite. The greater the amount of organic matter in a pond, the more potassium permanganate required to achieve the desired chemical concentration. Therefore, a pond with moderate to heavy algal blooms will require a higher treatment rate to neutralize the organic matter in the pond and still achieve the desired concentration of 2 mg/L.
One popular method of treatment is to begin with an application of 2 mg/L potassium permanganate. If the pond remains pink to purple in color for 8--12 hours, then an effective treatment is assumed to have occurred, and no additional chemical is required. However, if within a 12-hour period, the pond turns brown, then an additional 1--2 mg/L treatment is required, depending on how quickly the pond turned brown. It is recommended that treatment begin in the morning so that the pond can be watched for the next 8- to 12-hour period, and any color change can be easily detected.
Praziquantel
Diseases: flukes, tapeworms, intestinal flagellates
Contraindications:
It is not effective against camallanus worms however it has been used numerous times successfully for fluke infestations and flagellates.
Available as Droncit (veterinary clinics as anthelmintic for cats and dogs), Prazipro (nearby USA petstores and online sites), Medi-Worm (Goldfish Connection; US location), Goldfish Utopia, PondRx, and Pet Mountain.
Dosage courtesy of Thegab.org:
Day 1 -- remove carbon, perform water change with vacuuming, and add Prazi to tank
Day 2 -- add Prazi
Day 3 -- do nothing
Day 4 -- do nothing
Day 5 -- do nothing
Day 6 -- add Prazi
Day 7 -- add Prazi
Day 8 -- normal partial water change with vacuuming
Day 14 - normal partial water change, then add prazi
Day 21 - normal partial water change, then add prazi
Day 28 - normal partial water change, then add prazi
Day 35 - normal partial water change, add carbon, treatment is complete
Recommended dosage: 2.5mg per liter. Considering this is a rather mild treatment, it is not very difficult to overdose.
Protozin
Diseases: ich, fungus, neon tetra disease, velvet, costia, trichodina
Contraindications:
Do not use when rays or momyrids are present.
Q
Quick Cure
Active Ingredients: Malachite green and Formalin
Diseases: Ich
Contraindications:
Both active ingredients are carcinogenic agents. See further information of both ingredients under Formalin/Formaldehyde and Malachite Green.
Dosage:
First day dose 1 drop per gallon
Second day perform 30% waterchange or more but add no medication
Third day dose 1 drop per gallon
Fourth day perform a waterchange 30% or more, add no medication
Fifth day add quick cure (1 drop per gallon)
Sixth day perform big waterchange and put fresh carbon in filter.
Be sure your water has plenty of oxygen as Rid-Ich can deplete oxygen levels.
Dosage instructions courtesy of Thegab.org.
Quinslex
Ingredients: 250 mg Quinine Activity
Diseases: Ich, white body blotches, parasites, brooklynella, cryptocaryon
R
Rid-Ich
Active Ingredients: Malachite green and Formalin
Diseases: Ich
Contraindications:
Both active ingredients are carcinogenic agents. See further information of both ingredients under Formalin/Formaldehyde and Malachite Green.
Dosage is one teaspoon per 10 gallons and must be done daily for at least a week and another three days after ich had seemingly disappeared. Do partial water changes before administering full dosage as required.
Be sure your water has plenty of oxygen as Rid-Ich can deplete oxygen levels.
Dosage information is courtesy of Thegab.org.
Romet B
Ingredients: sulfadimethoxine and ormetoprim
Diseases: erythrodermatitis, Edwardsiella ictaluri infections, Aeromonas infections,
Contraindications:
Another product approved for use on food fish by FDA.
Available in Goldfish Utopia in small quantities.
S
Sera Bakto Tabs
Diseases: Dropsy
Contraindications:
Please carry out treatment once any of the dropsy symptoms (protruding scales, bloated abdomen and pop eyes) appear.
Sera Baktopur
Active ingredients: acriflavine, methylene blue, phenylglycol, aqua purificata ad
Diseases: septicemia, dropsy, fungus, columnaris, fin rot, mouth rot
Contraindications:
It is best to use it only in the quarantine tank as it can harm the beneficial bacteria. This can be ineffective once the fish has reach the final stages of dropsy (assuming the cause is renal/kidney damage).
Sera Baktopur Direct
Diseases: serious bacterial infections, septicemia, dropsy
Contraindications:
This is a very effective medicine and may harm your biological filtration. So when treating, try to treat the fish in a hospital tank.
Sera Costapur
Diseases: Ich, Costia, Chilodonella, Trichodina
Sera Cyprinopur
Active ingredients: dihydroxybenzol, ethanol
Diseases: external parasites, spring virosis
Contraindications:
This medicine is sold in bulk as it is designed for ponds, however it can be used in the aquarium to treat diseases and external parasites like camallanus, anchorworms, fish leech and fish lice.
Sera Mycopur
Diseases: fungus (Saprolegnia) and skin and gill flukes
Sera Omnipur
Diseases: Bacterial infections, fin rot, fungal infections (Saprolegnia, Achlya), skin slime (Costia, Chilodonella), Trichodina, Oodinium, gill and skin flukes (Dactylogyrus or Gyrodactylus), skin injuries and wounds.
Sera Oodinopur A
Active ingredients: Copper sulfate
Diseases: freshwater and saltwater Oodinium
Contraindications:
See information under Copper Sulfate above (scroll list back to "C").
Sinclair Fin Rot Terminator
Ingredients: Silver Proteinate
Diseases: External Bacterial infections in Freshwater Fish.
Contraindications:
Best effects at 16-27C
Sinclair White Spot Terminator (WS3)
Ingredients: Acriflavine, Malachite Green & Quinine sulphate
Diseases: Protozoal Infections in Freshwater fish.
Contraindications:
Best used at 25-30C. Toxic to marine life.
Spectrogram
Ingredients: 150 mg capsule, Kanamycin Sulfate, Nitrofurazone activity
Diseases: bloated abdomen, red patches, hemorrhages, white body slime, dropsy, bacterial infections, furunculosis, columnaris, fungus
Sterazin
Diseases: gill and body parasites, round worms, thread worms, intestinal worms
Contraindications:
Do not use when crustaceans, echinoderms, rays, seawater sharks, pirahna, sturgeon or sterlets and related species are present. In these instances use Waterlife PARAGON.
Super Sulfa
Ingredients: 150 mg capsule, Sulfamethazine, Sulfathiazole, Sulfadiazine, Sulfamerazine, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Diseases: wide spectrum anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, treats cottony patches, fin and tail rot, white body and fin patches, fungal infections, molly disease, columnaris
Super Velvet Plus
Ingredients: Acriflavine and sodium chloride
Diseases: Velvet Specific, treats Velvet, body shimmy, collapsed fins, white patches on fish, body fungus.
T
Terramycin
Ingredients: Oxytetracycline
Diseases: erythrodermatitis, enteric red mouth (Yersinia ruckeri), aeromonas and pseudomonas infection among catfish
Contraindications:
This has been approved for use on food catfish such as channel catfish by the FDA.
Tetracycline
Ingredients: 250 mg capsule of Tetracycline Hydrochloride activity
Diseases: antibiotic, treats ulcers and open soars, frayed fins, mouth and body sores, abdominal bloat, red patches, bacterial infections, livebearer disease, fungal infections, dropsy, furunculosis
Contraindications:
Cannot be combined with any meds except for medicated foods. Very effective at low pH or acidic water condition with pH no more than 7.4-7.5 otherwise ineffective when used with salt and high hardness levels.
Tetrafin Gold Med Goldfish Disease Treatment by Tetra
Ingredients: Formaldehyde & Malachite Green oxalate
Diseases: Flukes, External Bacterial, Protozoal & Fungal infections in Coldwater Aquarium fish.
Trichlorfon (Masoten)
Also registers as dimethyl 2,2,2-trichloro-1-hydroxyethyl) phosphonate.
Diseases: monogenean flukes, Gyrodactylus (skin fluke) and Dactylogyrus (gill fluke), as well as leeches and crustacean ectoparasites. Argulus (fish lice) and Lernaea (anchor worm), Trichodina spp. Ergasilus spp
Contraindications:
It is not a recommended drug as it has proven itself harmful for human and animal use. It is available under its trade name Bayer Masoten, Metriphonate or Dylox and pet store medicines such as Dylox and Life-bearer (all information mentioned above) and has been banned in many countries.
Tricide Neo
See Neomycin.
Triple Sulfa
Active Ingredients: 332 mg sodium sulfathiazole, 84 mg sodium sulfamethazine, 84 mg sodium suldacetamide per capsule
Diseases: bacterial infections
Contraindications:
A product by API.
U
Ultra Cure BX
Active ingredients: Nitrofurazone 0.03%, Triple Sulfa (Sulfadiazine, Sulfamethazine, and Sulfamerazine) 0.03%
Ultra Cure PX
Active ingredients: Praziquantel 0.0057%, Flubenol 0.03%, Metronidazole 0.30%
Diseases: internal parasites and flagellates
Contraindications:
Retrieved from Thegab.org source.
Instructions: "Hold back all feeding for 1 day before using. Then use Ultra Cure PX as the only product offered to the fish when fed. Add to the aquarium with the dropper tip on the bottle. Hold bottle 2 inches above water surface and squeeze. Offer at least 5 drops per fish twice a day. Repeat every 24 hours for 3 days."
Another product that contains ingredients to combat the three major types of internal parasites (nematodes, cestodes and monogenean trematodes ; for further information, see information below Jungle Anti-Parasite Medicated Food). It is available through mail-order from most major internal companies that sell aquarium products (In Canada available through mops.ca) More stores will likely carry this product soon. As it is fairly new there are not that many reports as to how well this product works and whether fish will readily eat the gel.
V
Vitamix Plus
Ingredients: Vitamins, A, B6, B12, C, D, E, Thiamine, Niacin, Riboflavin, Phytosterois, Minerals, Amino Acids and Preservatives
Diseases: prevention of Avitaminosis, loss of colour, listlessness, poor diet, dietary stress, poor growth
