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Just as it says!! Anything about it, are you supposed to half the does for catfish? What does it cure? How long do you use it for, basically everything!!

Sam

You use it in a similar way to Dettol for humans.

Its for cuts and scrapes and it can help prevent infections, and even clea up mild ones.

It can be used in conjunction with most meds, so it makes it a good first step if you aren't sure what the primary illness is.


It IS a drug. Its based on natural extracts, but then again so are some of the world's most potents drugs. Use it carefully.

For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

wish-ga resolves to use melafix in future instead of mercurachrome (on self, fish and anyone else with a boo-boo that keeps still long enough for an application)

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~~~ My fish blow kisses at me all day long ~~~

heidi agrees with wishgajust be careful the smell is quite addictiveperfumedebates drinking some tonight to make tomorrow a better day

I've used it to get rid of severe fin rot on a gold fish, did take longer than the 7 days. We used it on GoFish when he was close to death, and he is now a geriatric betta. I've used it with neons, guppies, platties, fry, snails, plecos...it's amazing stuff...one hint of advice...something I just found out if you have a big tankI'm thinking 55+ gallons you might want to get the PondFix, it is just a stronger dose of MelaFix, and it will save you bundles...This is the one medication I won't let run out, and if I do, I get it ASAP...Heidi

Last edited by heidi at 14-Mar-2005 23:11

"I've got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom." Thomas Carlyle

Melafix's active ingredient is tea tree oil. It works by irritating the fish's 'skin' so it produces extra slime coat. This can be beneficial for fighting off infections and for non-fungal cases of fin rot (i.e. stress/water induced).

I, personally, have found that often before reaching for the melafix you should reach for your test kits and gravel Vacuum. Most things melafix aids with can be just as easily controlled through good quality clean water and stress free life. The last time i dosed with melafix was to help a fish that had been attacked by my other fish and had not eaten for a couple of weeks. He had open wounds that needed some extra attention. But, first course of action before using any drug is to:
1. Analyse your water and make sure it is good.
2. Observe the behaviour of your fish and confirm it is not fighting the disease on it's own.
3. Identify the disease and work out the preferred treatment method. Stick to that method.
4. Treat with only the drugs recommended for that disease.

Tea Tree also has antibacterial properties by itself.

(humans don't have a slime coat, and it works on our cuts)

For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

I won't disagree with Jester on reaching for test kits and doing a deep gravel vac. There's so much truth to that.

But, I have used both Melafix and Pimafix - sometimes together, without an issue with otos and cories in the tank. Even my sensitive habrosus cories have no issues with full strength. However, I dosed it at half strength the first time I used it just to observe how they would tolerate it. Then 6-12 hours later I dosed the other half and watched again for signs of stress. Everyone went about business as usual.

If there is an underlying problem, such as compacted gravel which breeds bad bacteria, or too much waste, or too many fish, it can affect their health. High nitrates will also make it difficult for them to fight infection (>40ppm for goldfish and for many trops, especially cats it is best below 20ppm like 5-15 ppm).

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/melafix.php



Last edited by Cory_Di at 15-Mar-2005 14:02

I'm acutally using Melafix and Pimafix together right now. One of my cories had a case of tail rot and was fairly listless. WC, gravel vacuming, and now on the 5th day of treatment at full dose. The tail has cleared up beautifully, is regrowing and he's feeling spunky enough to spawn.
As for it being safe for sensitive fish, I've got a variety of snails, pygmy cories and shrimp and not a single one has been affected.

I have a bottle but haven't had to use it yet. Thank goodness.... fins crossed.



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~~~ My fish blow kisses at me all day long ~~~