Expired Melafix

[golsama]

I discovered one of my male Neolamprologus Brevis has an injury just in front of his gill on the right side. I moved him to a 2.5 gallon tank that was holding brevis fry until I moved them into a bigger tank today. Anyway, I wanted to treat him with Melafix but mine says it expired 01/2010. Is it still good to use? I'd really rather not have to make a special trip for some with gas prices as they are.

In the mean time, I've dosed his hospital tank with salt. Any other suggestions for treatment?

 

[bschuhart]

Make your own: you can find the tea tree oil at Walmart. Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS

Melafix and Pimafix recipes​

Melafix is 99% distilled water and 1 % Tea tree oil (melaleuca oil).

You buy distilled water cheaply, about $2.00 a gallon(128oz) Tea tree oil is available online and in any health store, alternative medicine stores, Walmart, Rite Aid. You should have no problem finding it.

You then mix 1 ml oil to every 100 ml water and you get your own Melafix with the same strength as the store bought medicine (as close as makes no difference) Try to get the measurements as exact as possible but if you are a couple of ml off with the water it is no big deal. It is the oil you need to take care when you mix.

To make your own Pimafix it's 1% Bay oil or Pimenta racemosa, same as concentrations as the Melafix, so 1ml in 100ml of water.
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NOTES: Reuse your existing Melafix bottle 16 FL OZ (473ml)
1. Using a medicine dropper, measure 4 ¾ ml of Tea Tree Oil and add to empty bottle.
2. Fill 16oz bottle with DISTILLED water, shake lightly.

Dosage: remove activated carbon from filter, if possible
Add 5ml of Melafix to 10 U.S. gallons of aquarium water. Dose daily for 7 days. After 7 days make a 25% water change. Treatment can be continued if necessary.
*******************************************************************Another option if you have large tanks is to make the Melafix/Pimafix double strength, just double the formula. 2% tea tree oil to 98% water.
DON’T FORGET TO CUT THE DOSAGE IN HALF.

 

[golsama]

Thanks! I got the tea tree oil and distilled water today. The oil was 50% off at CVS too! So I definitely saved making it myself.

 

[SubMariner]

Keep using the Salt Samantha, it's the best way to go.

 

[golsama]

How often should I use the salt and how much would you recommend adding to a 2.5 gallon?

 

[SubMariner]

Use a table spoon per day for now. I would only treat the tank for a couple of days and then the fish should be fine. Good Luck