melafix and cycling

[Johnny V]

One of my fish has a little finrot. I was wondering if adding melafix will affect the cycling of the tank in any way. Thanks in advance -John

 

[freddyk]

Melafix is great for for preventing infection of injuries, but fin rot is a bacterial disease, and you will need an anti-bacterial medication to fight it - melafix won't do, sometimes all-natural just doesn't cut it.

Melafix doesn't seem to harm the bio-filter, but it's safe to assume that whatever stronger medication you choose will destroy the benificial bacteria, since it's anti-bacterial.

 

[Johnny V]

so, seeing as its just a feeder fish, should I issolate him? or give him back to the lfs? I realllly dont want to re-cycle my tank

 

[sylvia]

Isolate him. Never give a sick fish back - that just means you're spreading disease to a lot of other fish that realy need not be put through that stress. You say he's a 'feeder' fish? A guppy? I'd isolate and add some anti-bacterial meds. Salt helps too. Especialy with livebearers.

 

[Johnny V]

will salt hurt a betta or neons, or african butterfly fish? thanks -john

 

[Johnny V]

good call on not returning him. I didnt think that one through lol. good thing i asked first