[AquaticLife] All natural fish treatments?
It’s probably best not to buy anything until needed.
Steve already mentioned salt and heat which does work for many minor to major issues.
I do keep and use MelaFix and PimaFix which are both “natural” products although the solution they are in, to keep the meds in suspension, does have a strong sweet smell. I don’t mind it but I’ve heard others complain about the smell. MelaFix is based on Melaleuca (Tea Tree) Oil and PimaFix is also based on another natural tree oil but I don’t recall it off the top of my head. They both have a pretty long shelf life and at least I have something available if needed. MelaFix is an antibacterial and PimaFix is an antifungal but when combined, they make a much stronger antibacterial. They will not harm your bio-filtration which is why I use them as a first line of defense before I would think about a stronger antibiotic.
Fortunately, I don’t have many health issues with my fish… knock on wood!
While a salt dip can be used, I don’t think an iodine or peroxide dip should be used. I’ve read about Iodine being used as a topical treatment for various infections, fin rot, etc., on larger fish and Peroxide can be used against certain things but I also think it would be for topical treatment. I’m not sure either of those would be very good for a fishes gills.
I have used Peroxide… one ounce per 10G… as a treatment for some hair algae I had growing in a 10G planted tank and I’ve read that dosage can be used in fish tanks as well as long as the fish aren’t in the direct path of the treatment. I used a syringe to deliver the Peroxide directly to the hair algae area.
Here’s some links to using Peroxide and Iodine… and of course salt.
http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/Algae/hydrogen-peroxide.html
http://www.malawicichlidhomepage.com/aquainfo/algae_peroxide.html
http://www.skepticalaquarist.com/docs/health/salt.shtml
http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/ponds/Kebus_Salt_Treatments.html
This next page has lots of Goldfish treatments including how to treat with Iodine and Peroxide when needed. You’ll find a lot more treatments for larger fish than most smaller tropical’s. Some Goldfish/Koi owners even bring their fish to a vet for shots, etc., when needed.
http://thegab.org/Articles/GoldfishIllness.html
Lenny Vasbinder Fish Blog - http://GoldLenny.blogspot.com
Category: Philippines Internet Koi Society
