Application of Aquarium Pharmaceuticals products.
Parasitic diseases. This group of diseases is caused by various parasitic protozoa, infusoria, flukes, and parasitic crustaceans. As a rule, diagnosing these diseases is not difficult if you have a microscope or a magnifying glass with high magnification, as the parasites are quite large, and many flukes are clearly visible to the naked eye. They settle on the surface of the fish’s body (the fish’s integument becomes covered with a powdery gray or golden coating), on the gills, and some parasitize inside the fish’s body.
The greatest damage to the aquarium economy is caused by the ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Part of the parasite’s cycle takes place under the host’s epidermis, and for reproduction, it ruptures the epidermis and enters the water, resulting in a massive infection of the fish. Eruptions resembling semolina or small salt crystals are visible on the sick fish. The most effective product has proven to be “Super Ick Cure” – to combat the ciliate, and nitrofurazone to suppress secondary infection of the damaged epidermis (capsule dosage form). In the liquid form of the product, povidone is used for these purposes instead of nitrofurazone.
Another product, “General Cure”, which contains copper sulfate, trichlorfon, and metronidazole – substances that act actively against both external and internal parasites – handles all other parasitic diseases exceptionally well, particularly parasitic crustaceans (Argulus), flukes (Gyrodactylus, Dactylogyrus), and protozoa (Oodinium, Chilodonella). As a rule, fish affected by parasites become susceptible to bacterial infections; to suppress secondary bacterial infections, you can use antibacterial products from Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, and adding “Aquarium Salt” to the water at a rate of 1 g/L will make life difficult for the parasites and relieve the condition of the sick fish. If you value the invertebrates living in your aquarium, mollusks should be removed from the aquarium before starting treatment with either product, and returned after a water change and connecting a filter with activated carbon. If necessary, the treatment cycle can be repeated.
Fungal diseases. Any intervention in the peaceful life of the aquarium leads to stress in fish, which in turn leads to weakened immunity and reduced resistance to fungal and bacterial infections. On skin damaged during net capture or as a result of fights between fish, colonies of the fungus Saprolegnia grow rapidly, resembling tufts of cotton. Poor maintenance conditions, increased concentrations of ammonia and organics in the aquarium water also lead to infections by various types of parasitic fungi (mycoses). Affected areas of the fish’s body become covered with a white fluffy coating or dense white growths. Mycoses are often accompanied by parasitic and bacterial fish diseases.
Treatment of fungal diseases is carried out in a separate aquarium using the product “Fungus Cure”, observing all the above-mentioned measures. If necessary, treatment can also be carried out in the general aquarium. This product is available in the form of capsules or liquid. Capsules contain neutrophlavin and Victoria Green B, while the liquid product contains neutrophlavin and povidone. The product colors the water a light green color, which is easily removed after treatment using an activated carbon filter. If fish show signs of both fungal and bacterial infection simultaneously, antibacterial products can be used alongside “Fungus Cure”. If necessary, the treatment cycle can be repeated.
Bacterial infections. This is the most extensive and difficult-to-diagnose group of fish diseases. Bacteria are always present in the water in large numbers. Under normal conditions, a layer of protective mucus on the body and a strong immune system help fish resist infection. Over time, a specific biocenosis develops in a separate aquarium, fish develop immunity to the bacteria contained in that water, and the number of bacteria does not exceed a certain optimum. Any disturbance to this balance, such as introducing new fish, can trigger an infection outbreak. Moreover, the newcomers themselves may carry a dangerous infection. In both cases, a disease outbreak will be observed in the aquarium. In this regard, the speed of taking measures to halt the further development of the disease is of great importance.
It is more correct to treat fish in a separate aquarium, and the decorative one where the sick fish were kept must be thoroughly disinfected. Using Aquarium Pharmaceuticals products, treatment can also be carried out in the general aquarium, but one must remember that almost all products negatively affect biological filters, so they must be re-seeded after treatment. Activated carbon is also removed from the filter during treatment. Aquarium Pharmaceuticals has created a series of broad-spectrum antibacterial products: To correctly choose the necessary product for treating fish, you need to carefully study the symptoms of the disease.
If the fish’s lips have turned white, some of them show destruction of mouth tissues, a coating in the form of small cotton clumps appears on the lips, and whitish spots are visible on the body surface, this is most likely a disease caused by bacteria of the genus Flavobacterium. Products such as Furan-2, Triple Sulfa, and E.M. Tablets are suitable for treatment.
Destruction of inter-ray tissue and, in severe cases, the fins themselves can be caused by various groups of bacteria. Treatment should begin with Furan-2; if no positive effect is observed, you should switch to other products: E.M. Tablets, T.C. Capsules, or Triple Sulfa.
Some bacteria can cause clouding of the fish’s eyes or the formation of whitish mucus on the body surface. To combat these types of infections, use Furan-2, E.M. Tablets, or Triple Sulfa.
If fish have frequent, labored breathing, noticeable gill redness, stay near the water surface, and ammonia poisoning or gill parasites are ruled out, it can be assumed that these symptoms are caused by a bacterial infection of the gill apparatus. In this case, Furan-2, E.M. Tablets, or Nala-Gram will help treat the fish.
Infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria are accompanied by symptoms such as red fins, bruising on the body without visible damage, dropsy (abdominal swelling, raised scales), and open bleeding ulcers. Treatment in these cases should begin with Nala-Gram, and only if it is ineffective should you switch to Furan-2, E.M. Tablets, Triple Sulfa, or T.C. Capsules.
The uncontrolled use of antibiotics and the high adaptability of microorganisms have led to the emergence of bacterial strains resistant to the most common medications. As a result of many years of research by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals staff, MelaFix was developed based on plant extracts and tea tree leaf extract. This product has bactericidal and antifungal activity, suppressing the development of even those microorganisms that are resistant to many antibiotics. At the same time, the product is harmless to fish and other aquarium inhabitants, does not affect biological filters, does not alter hydrochemical parameters, and retains its activity for a long time in both fresh and saltwater.
Due to its properties, MelaFix is currently widely used in aquarium practice when introducing new fish, for fungal and bacterial infections of fish fins and bodies, and when it is necessary to quickly heal open wounds on fish bodies. It restores damaged fish fins and tails, and cures open ulcers and skin wounds. Application: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) per 40 liters of aquarium water. Repeat daily for 7 days, then change 25% of the aquarium water. Pimafix – Anti-fungal fish medication. A natural antifungal remedy based on West Indian bay tree extract (Pimenta racemosa) with a broad spectrum of activity. Along with fungal diseases, it suppresses internal and external bacterial diseases. Recommended for use in combination with MelaFix. Application: Add daily at a rate of 5 ml per 38 liters for 7 days. Perform water changes of 25-30% of the aquarium volume every three days.
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Aquarium Salt — Any infection leads to impaired respiratory function in fish; therefore, to relieve the condition of fish, “Aquarium Salt” should be added to the quarantine aquarium. It will restore disturbed osmoregulation and gas exchange through the gills in sick fish without reducing the activity of medications. The product added to the quarantine water will help the fish cope with stress caused by transfer and changes in water chemistry, and restore osmoregulation and gas exchange through the gill membranes.
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Bettafix remedy — Contains natural tea tree extract, quickly restores damaged fins, and heals open wounds and ulcers. Active against fungal and bacterial infections of the fins and skin. Application: Add 6 drops of the product per 473 ml, or 12 drops per 946 ml, or 2.5 ml per 3.81 liters of aquarium water. The dose is applied daily for seven days, on the eighth day change the water. Repeat treatment if necessary.
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Fungus Cure Powder — Used to treat fungal infections of the eyes, fins, and body surface of fish. Active ingredients: neutrophlavin and 
Victoria Green B dye (capsule form), neutrophlavin and povidone (liquid form). Protects against the development of secondary bacterial infections. Available in liquid and capsule forms. It is a medication for treating diseases caused by parasitic fungi. It can also be used against fin rot and bacterial skin infections. Has no negative impact on biological filter function.
Used to treat diseases caused by both parasitic fungi and various pathogenic bacteria (Branchiomycosis, Fin Rot, Saprolegniasis). In one of the most common fungal diseases, Saprolegniasis (Saprolegnia), white spots and fluffy white cotton-like “tufts” appear on the fish’s skin. In another equally common bacterial disease, fin erosion, the edges of the fins begin to tear and subsequently disintegrate, leading to complete fin loss. In bacterial skin infections, a “case” of whitish mucus teeming with pathogenic bacteria forms around part or all of the fish’s body.
The capsule must be opened and its contents poured into the aquarium at a rate of one capsule per 20 liters of aquarium water. When using the liquid form – one teaspoon (5 ml) per 20 liters, twice every other day. Repeat the dose after 48 hours. After the next 48 hours, change 25% of the aquarium water. The treatment cycle can be repeated if necessary. Treatment with antibacterial products can be carried out simultaneously with Fungus Cure. Activated carbon can be used after treatment to remove residual medication from the water. This medication colors the water green, which can be removed by water changes or filtered out with activated carbon after the treatment cycle is complete.
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Furan-2 — Antibacterial. Used to treat fish diseases caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (Columnaris, Body Slime Disease, Fin Rot, Cloudy Eyes, Aeromoniasis, Pseudomoniasis, Furunculosis). Active ingredients: nitrofurazone, furazolidone, methylene blue. This is a first-line treatment that should be used when a bacterial infection is suspected in freshwater and marine aquariums. One capsule per 40 liters of aquarium water.
Open the capsule and pour its contents into the aquarium. Repeat after 24 hours. After 24 hours, change 25% of the aquarium water. Then add the product twice more at 24-hour intervals. A total of 4 doses of the product. After 24 hours from the last dose administration, change 25% of the aquarium water. If necessary, the treatment cycle can be repeated. The product colors the water green, which is easily removed using activated carbon. Filter with activated carbon at the end of treatment to remove any remaining medication from the water.
Comment: — This product is positioned similarly to Sera baktopur direct – as a potent remedy for systemic bacterial infections. It is also completely unsuitable for treatment in a general aquarium and causes even stronger secondary bacterial and/or fungal infections, while lagging behind Sera’s medicine in treatment effectiveness. However, unlike Baktopur direct, I am unaware of cases of fish mortality directly from the effects of Furan-2. Furan-2 should be used in a separate treatment aquarium with strong aeration. The water turns orange.
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals General Cure — A broad-spectrum antiparasitic medication. Active against parasitic protozoa, crustaceans, and 
worms. Active ingredients: trichlorfon, metronidazole, copper sulfate. Effectively destroys parasites and heals minor skin injuries. Used to treat a wide range of diseases caused by various fish parasites, in particular the fish louse Argulus, as well as parasitic crustaceans of the genera Lernaeocera, Ergasilus, Achteres, Lamproglena. Effective in treating fish infestations by parasitic worms – monogenean flukes of the genera Dactylogyrus, Gyrodactylus, Diplozoon, Oodinium, Hexamita. Used for diseases such as Argulosis, Gyrodactylosis, Dactylogyrosis, Oodiniasis. Left without proper treatment, parasites quickly spread throughout the aquarium, affecting all its inhabitants. The product has no negative effect on biological filter function.
The capsule must be opened and its contents poured into the aquarium at a rate of one capsule per 40 liters of aquarium water. Repeat the dose twice every other day. After 48 hours from the last dose administration, change 25% of the aquarium water. The treatment cycle can be repeated if necessary. Treatment with antibacterial products can be performed simultaneously with General Cure to suppress secondary infections. Activated carbon can be used after treatment to remove residual medication from the water. Attention! Aquarium invertebrates must be removed from the aquarium during treatment and returned no earlier than 72 hours after treatment ends.
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals MelaFix — A new bactericidal agent for treating ornamental fish diseases. Quickly heals damaged fins and open wounds, used 
when introducing new fish into established aquariums. This product is a completely natural product derived from tea tree leaves. Unfortunately, mechanical damage to skin and fins is inevitable when keeping fish, so the risk of disease increases with every new fish introduction. Fish affected by bacterial infections become easy prey for pathogenic fungi. They, in turn, damage healthy tissue, allowing the disease to spread further. To successfully combat fungal fish diseases, products that help quickly restore damaged tissue are needed.
MelaFix has bactericidal and regenerative properties, helping fish fight infection and quickly repair damaged tissue. Healing and tissue regeneration are noticeable as early as 4 days after the start of treatment. Non-toxic even to the most sensitive fish species, including characins, juvenile discus, and scaleless species like clown loaches. Application of the product does not harm biological filters. It does not color the water or leave stains on aquarium decorations. It does not affect water chemistry parameters. Completely harmless to live aquarium plants. In addition, it can be used in combination with Aquarium Pharmaceuticals medications: Ick Cure, Fungus Cure, and General Cure. Composition: 1% Melaleuca tea tree extract. Dosage and administration: 5 ml (1 teaspoon) per 40 liters of water. Repeat the dose daily for 7 days, then change 25% of the water.
Comment: — The main purpose of MelaFix is wound healing. It handles this task well. In addition, it is capable of eliminating mild bacterial infections. But nothing more. As an antibacterial agent, this product is undoubtedly weaker than any of the above, but on the other hand, it can be added to the aquarium on a regular basis. MelaFix has no harmful side effects, does not color the water, and its accompanying scent is rather pleasant and dissipates quickly. A significant disadvantage of MelaFix that limits its widespread use is the high price of this medication.
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Nala-Gram — A medication whose main active ingredient is soluble sodium nalidixate. One of the most effective products for treating infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria: gill inflammation, neon tetra disease, septicemia, abdominal swelling, etc. In septicemia (Aeromonas), the fish’s abdominal cavity swells, and in later stages of the disease, open crater-like ulcers often appear all over the fish’s body. In other cases, clearly visible blood spots appear under the fish’s skin. Also effective against parasitic spore-forming protozoa of the order Microsporidia (neon tetra disease). Can be used in freshwater and marine aquariums, together with antifungal and antiparasitic medications in cases of combined disease treatment. The product does not negatively affect biofilter bacteria.
The capsule must be opened and its contents poured into the aquarium at a rate of one capsule per 40 liters of aquarium water. Repeat after 48 hours. After 48 hours from the last dose administration, change 25% of the aquarium water. The treatment cycle can be repeated if necessary. Activated carbon can be used after treatment to remove residual medication from the water.
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals PimaFix — A product for protection against fungal and bacterial fish diseases. Active ingredient: natural bay tree extract. A natural, safe, highly effective broad-spectrum remedy protecting fish from fungal and most bacterial infections. Suitable for freshwater and marine aquariums. Recommended for use in combination with MelaFix. Application: remove carbon from the filter and continue aeration. Add 5 ml for every 38 liters of water. Repeat the dose daily for 7 days, then change 25% of the aquarium water. Repeat if necessary.
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Stress Coat — Even after very careful transport and transfer, minor abrasions may remain on the fish’s body. These injuries can lead to a disruption of osmotic pressure in the tissues and rapid loss of essential salts from the fish’s body, threatening serious heart problems. The loss of the protective mucus layer from the fish’s body surface paves the way for various bacterial pathogens to enter the fish’s body. Pre-dissolved in the quarantine aquarium water, this product containing biopolymers and aloe vera extract will repair skin damage as quickly as possible, restore the protective mucus layer, and neutralize chlorine present in tap water.
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Super Ick Cure — Also available in liquid form under the name Liquid super Ick Cure. Active ingredients: malachite green and nitrofurazone (capsule form) and malachite green and povidone (liquid form). Destroys the free-swimming form of the parasite, inhibits the development of secondary bacterial infections. Used to treat the disease caused by the parasitic protozoan Ichthyophthirius. Quickly and effectively eliminates this disease by destroying parasitic protozoa within 24-48 hours and healing wounds. The product has no negative impact on biological filter function.
The capsule must be opened and its contents poured into the aquarium at a rate of one capsule per 20 liters of aquarium water. When using the liquid form – one teaspoon (5 ml) per 20 liters. After 48 hours, repeat the dose, after first changing 25% of the aquarium water and filtering with activated carbon. When treating sensitive fish species, apply half the dose. The treatment cycle can be repeated if necessary. Since the parasite’s development cycle accelerates with higher temperatures, treatment can be expedited by raising the aquarium water temperature to 28°C. Activated carbon can be used after treatment to remove residual medication from the water. This medication colors the aquarium water a blue-green color, which can be removed by water changes or filtered out with activated carbon after the treatment cycle is complete. Attention! Aquarium invertebrates must be removed from the aquarium during treatment and returned no earlier than 72 hours after treatment ends.
Comment: — I think this is the most effective of all similar products available for sale. It colors the aquarium water blue-green. Unfortunately, it is not without side effects, probably due to a rather aggressive furan additive. It may cause fungal infections in fish. Cases of fish blindness as a result of prolonged Super Ick Cure treatment are also known. Therefore, it should be used with caution: only during severe disease outbreaks and avoiding overdoses.
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals T.C. Capsules — Used to treat bacterial infections of the fins, eyes, gills, and lips. Its main active ingredient is tetracycline hydrochloride, a broad-spectrum antibiotic successfully used in freshwater aquariums to treat various bacterial infections, incl. Gill Bacterial Infection, Fin Rot, Columnaris. Can be used in combination with antiparasitic products to prevent secondary infections. May negatively affect biological filter function.
Dosage and administration: One capsule per 20 liters of aquarium water. Open the capsule and pour its contents into the aquarium. Repeat the dose after 24 hours. After another 24 hours, change 25% of the aquarium water and repeat the dose again. And then repeat once more after 24 hours. A total of 4 doses of the product. After 24 hours from the last dose administration, change 25% of the aquarium water. If necessary, the treatment cycle can be repeated. Filter with activated carbon at the end of treatment to remove any remaining medication from the water.
Comment: — Of all Aquarium Pharmaceuticals antibiotics, this is the mildest. Nevertheless, to avoid disrupting the biological balance, I still would not recommend treating with it in a general aquarium, but only in a hospital tank. It makes sense to use this product against bacterial infections such as Vitiligo, Fin Rot, Columnaris (mouth rot). It does not cause secondary infections and is generally tolerated quite well by fish. It colors the water yellowish and causes intensive foaming, which is why it is better to change the water not just once in the middle of the treatment course as recommended by the company instructions, but daily by 20%–40% before each new dose, taking part of the water from the general aquarium and part fresh aged water.
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Triple Sulfa — Active ingredients: sulfamethazine, sulfacetamide, sulfathiazole. In capsules. It is a medication for treating diseases 
caused by pathogenic bacteria. It can be used to treat various bacterial fish infections in freshwater and marine aquariums. Used to treat Aeromoniasis, Pseudomoniasis, Fin Rot, Cloudy Eyes, etc. Designed to treat aquarium fish for various invasive diseases, such as: Ichthyophthiriasis, Trichodiniasis, Chilodonelliasis, caused by ciliates parasitizing the fish’s skin surface; Costiosis and Oodiniasis, caused by flagellates. It is successfully used in treating wounds received during fish transport. The product can be used in combination with antiparasitic and antifungal medications when treating mixed infections. Treatment with “Triple Sulfa” can be carried out in the general aquarium, as it has no negative impact on biofilter bacteria.
One capsule per 20 liters of aquarium water. Open the capsule and pour its contents into the aquarium. Repeat the dose after 24 hours. After another 24 hours, change 25% of the aquarium water and repeat the dose again. And then repeat once more after 24 hours. A total of 4 doses of the product. After 24 hours from the last dose administration, change 25% of the aquarium water. If necessary, the treatment cycle can be repeated. Filter with activated carbon at the end of treatment to remove any remaining medication from the water.
Comment: — A definite advantage of this product, which combines three sulfonamide substances, is that it does not foam like T.C. Capsules and does not color the water. Although the manufacturer’s claim of no negative impact on biofilters raises some doubts. At the same time, unlike T.C. Capsules, when using Triple Sulfa, secondary infections in the form of skin cloudiness may occur. In terms of potency, this product is inferior to ciprofloxacin and nifurpirinol.
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals E.M. Tablets — A broad-spectrum antibacterial medication. Effective for diseases such as Body and Fin Bacterial Infections, 
Furunculosis, Aeromoniasis. Used to prevent the occurrence of various infections during fish transport, as well as in the complex treatment of parasitic and fungal diseases to prevent secondary infections. Active ingredient: erythromycin in a soluble stabilized form. It is a medication for treating fish diseases caused by various pathogenic bacteria.
Add one tablet to the aquarium at a rate of one tablet per 40 liters of aquarium water. Repeat the dose after 24 hours. After the next 24 hours, change 25% of the aquarium water. Immediately repeat the dose. Repeat the above treatment cycle up to a total of 4 doses. After 24 hours from the last dose administration, change 25% of the aquarium water. The treatment cycle can be repeated if necessary. Can be used in combination with antifungal or antiparasitic treatments to prevent secondary infection development.
For treating wounds: add one teaspoon (5 ml) for every 40 liters of aquarium water. Administer the product daily for 7 days. On the eighth day, replace 25% of the water in the aquarium. Treatment can be continued if necessary. During transfers, adding new fish, and transport: add one teaspoon (5 ml) for every 40 liters of aquarium water. Repeat product administration for three days. This product is recommended for quarantine holding of fish. For best results, activated carbon should be removed from aquarium filters during treatment.
Comment: — This product can be described as: too strong for treating fin rot, too weak for serious systemic infections. But overall, reviews are mostly positive. Another advantage is the economical dosage of 1 tablet per 40 liters. When treating in a general aquarium, it may disrupt the biological balance, so it is preferable to use it in a hospital tank.
