Meds Killing "Good" Bacteria?

[Ken]

I have a sailfin molly in my community tank that I am treating for what appears to be some sort of scale infection (dropsy?).

I am using Melafix (melaleuca) anti-bacterial.

Is this going to harm my biological filter?

 

[valerie]

Melafix won't harm you bio filter. But some anti bacterials do so make sure you read the back of the bottle very carefully.

 

[ScottoMacD]

Meds

Just about all medications that are used for bacterial diseases will kill off the bacteria in the tank.

Melafix will not....but.... melafix will also not help you out with your problem if it is an internal problem like dropsy.

The one med that seems to do the least amount of damage to the bacteria beds in the aqaurium (at least from what I have found by treating the fish at the store) is Super Sulfa. Metrolinazol (sp?) also seems to minimal damage. Metro however has it's draw backs. It has to be ingested to work properly. Meaning soaking the food in it. This does you no good if the fish isn't eating though.

On thing that we have been experimenting with at the store that seems to work on some of the more minor internal problems is garlic extract added to the food. Seachem makes it.

Like I said though we have only started trying it out. Again the downside is that it has to be ingested. Soaking the food again.