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Treating a planted tank with Maracyn/Maracyn II?
One of the fish in my 20 gallon planted tank has popeye. As soon as I saw it I did a 50% water change and added 2 tablespoons of aquarium salt. I also tested my water, which is fine: 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10/20 nitrate. None of the other fish are showing the slightest hint of illness. I want to treat him with a combo of Maracyn/Maracyn II, since I've read that popeye is often a symptom of a bacterial infection.
The problem is, I don't have a quarantine tank ATM. The best I could do would be to put him in a 3 gallon tank with a brand new sponge filter, which won't do much good. So I need to treat him in the 20 gallon.
Will the medication affect my plants? How about by biological filtration? I've heard it's supposed to leave that alone, but I want to make sure. Has anyone ever treated popeye before and can give me some advice?
The fish is a rainbow darter, BTW. He's still active and eating fine, so no worries there.
I actually do use Prime already. I guess I'll just have to monitor my water params and add some if anything looks off.
I'll keep an eye on it. I've heard people say that the Maracyn/Maracyn II combo had little to no effect on bio filtration, so I'm hoping for the best.
Thanks, maybe I'll head over there and take a look. I'm not all that experienced with meds either--I keep them on hand just in case, but I rarely have to use them. And I've never had a case of popeye before.
2 Answers
- I am LegendLv 71 decade agoFavorite Answer
I doubt it will effect the plants very much, but any anti biotic type is going to have some effects on your biological filtration, it's just a matter of how bad is all. I'd have to think some of that depends on your filter and how big your colony is, and some meds are more harsh then others. I can't say I remember much about Maracyn or Maracyn II but I have recently used Furan II and Kanaplex, and I've got quite a nice haze blooming in my tank :) HA HA.
It happens and I honestly am not sure to what degree your filter is going to take a hit, but run your med the full course. Not running it properly or full course is liable to leave whatever is afflicting your fish immune to that med so just run it.
One thing I always advise on here when it comes to bacterial issues and nitrogen compounds, and it's well worth the money, is using Prime by SeaChem. I don't advocate many chemical products but this one is worth it. This de-chlorinates at 1 capful to 50 gallons but also ionizes the ammonia and nitrites that will build back up as well at the same rate. It will block the harmful effects on the fish but still allow it to be used by your bacteria. You can't beat that.
Great to see another user of Prime. Many don't on here so just wanted to make sure. I just don't know how badly your colony would take a hit. From what I understand, some anti biotic meds aren't too bad on the beneficial bacteria, and mostly target anerobic types, but there aren't many of those meds out there. My guess here would be just play it safe, plus you know, adding the Prime really won't hurt anything either. I'd love to know though just how much your colony got hit down the road, so I can remember if Maracyn hits nitro bacteria or not. Thanks back at ya.
One last thing, I added you on contacts, seems you have some very interesting questions out there, and I have to say this much, medications and me are not well experienced with each other, but since I recently did a treatment, felt I'd share with you my tank is quite hazy now ha ha :P however, a couple guys in the forum I help run, (since I'm more experienced with African breeding, that's my area) that are outstanding in meds and have about 50 years combined experience with that aspect. You would be more then welcomed to sign up and ask away there, even if it's just for that help. I can't think of any better people to help you. Links on my profile. Hope you at least stop over and take a peek.
