Columnaris - How long for Maracyn to work?

hurricanejedi

AC Members
Apr 4, 2005
638
0
0
42
Raleigh, NC
www.flowerspride.com
I'm currently treating a few fish with what I think is columnaris. Two rams, one guppy, and one rummy-nose seem to have it. I'm on the 4th day of treatment and there is no signs of improvement. Does this take a while or is this being ineffective?
 
I treated a molly for over two weeks. Over $20 worth of meds for a $2 fish. She's healthy now, but it definitely took a while.
 
The directions say to dose for 5 days. If needed it says to dose for another 5 days. I'm not sure if its working so maybe should use Maracyn 2? If I did a second course of this stuff then I would really want to change the water. Is this stuff only active for a day, hence you dose daily, or does it build? Therefore not wanting to do water changes?
 
Been doing a lot of reading since rainbows get this really easily. Couple of things:

Decrease your water temperature as much as you can. Flavobacterium columnare thrives in warmer waters.

If the med you are using is not working, try a different one, but do not use erythomicyne or penicillans. They only work on gram positive bacteria. Furan-2 is good and contains nitrofurazone, which works on both gram neg and pos.

Tetracyline and other related meds are good, but senstive to light. You'll need to black out the tank if you use *cine drugs.

HTH
Roan
 
I had heard good thingss about the furan-2 as well for dealing with this as well as keepign the temps down. I think I read to put the water around 75 degrees and to add an airstone since columnaris doesn't like an abundance of oxygen either.
 
Ok I'll look into the Furan-2. My ich treatment is technically over so I think its safe to lower the temperature. My rams are loving these high temps though.
 
Hmm does Petsmart or Petco carry this? I don't see it listed on either site.. These are the petstores closest to me.
 
Jungle (ARGH!) makes a product that contains nitrofurazone, Binox. Double check seconardy ingredients though.

I hate Jungle products, but most LFS carry them. See if they have that.

Roan
 
hurricanejedi said:
The directions say to dose for 5 days. If needed it says to dose for another 5 days. I'm not sure if its working so maybe should use Maracyn 2? If I did a second course of this stuff then I would really want to change the water. Is this stuff only active for a day, hence you dose daily, or does it build? Therefore not wanting to do water changes?
My regimen was this:
Furan-2 and T.C. Capsules as directed, 4 days.
two 75% water changes
Maracyn and Maracyn 2 as directed, 5 days
two 75% water changes
Furan-2 and T.C. Capsules as directed, 4 days.
Progress was slow, but sure. Furan-2 and T.C. Capsules seemed to work a little better.
 
Last edited:
AquariaCentral.com