2 replies to this topic

[Cicolid]

Saw this on another Aussie forum.

Anyone heard of or had experiences with this ?


Edited...NOT to be confused with Metronidazole **


Quote "from advice from a vet that specialises in fish, DO NOT use Dimetronidazole in your main tank to treat Bloat. This medication will obliterate your bacteria colonies in your filters and cause a massive Ammonia spike." Unquote.

Apparently "Clout" which is now not available in Aussie also has the same effect.

Any comments from past users.

Col

[Peckoltia]

I have always used dimetronidazole/metronidazole in combination with foods. Either soaking food in it or hiding a portion of the medication within the food. I was told by a doctor that it would not be as effective if dissolved into the water due to solubility issues. I have never had an issue with either drug impacting on my biological filtration. I would usually suggest and practice feeding my fish less in times of disease and treatment to help ease the bioload on the filtration in any case, even more so if it is one that has been known to impact on bio filtration. Following up my treatment with a few heavy water changes.

I have also never noticed clout impacting on my biofiltration in the limited experience using it.

[Mr_docfish]

In the recommended doses DMZ (Dimetridazole) and Metro (Metronidazole) will not cause undue problems with biological filtration (though it can cause problems with Anaerobic bacteria in bio-denitrators). Many medications on the market, especially tri-sulphas and blue / green dye based meds will do more damage. At least DMZ and Metro can be added to feed, and this is the best method anyhow. Adding to feed requires less medication and therefore minimises any effect on the bio-workings of you aquarium.

Clout is not commercially available in Australia (it is being bought in direct from USA by a few individuals though) and the active ingredients are already available in cheaper sources here, basically, Metronidazole/Dimetridazole, Trichlorphon and Methylene Blue/Malachite Green.

Avoid using these products frequently and avoid using in the water unless the fish do not eat (then do so in a quarantine tank).
These products have had greater restictions placed on them lately in Australia due to some evidence of it being mutagenic. So they are not allowed to be used for aquaculture species, animals destined for human consumption or for animals destined as food for other animals destined for human consumption (eg; live food).
For our purpose, it is to only be used for ornamental fish destined for ornamental purposes and not as live food or cooked later on as a party peice (eg Yabbies, Barra or Catfish).

Mind you, this also goes for products like malachite green and a few other theraputics used in the aquarium industry....
And don't go testing the imported fish fillets like Nile Perch and Basa (catfish)..... they are always full of all sorts of chemicals that we are not allowed to use in Australia... Mercury is not a problem when you look at what else these fillets have soaked into them......

I would agree with not using these products in main aquaria in the water, mainly due to cost as well as side effects and possible chemical reactions (light will break it down), but as in-feed, not a problem.