Description

Maintaining fish health is a vital concern to aquarists and pond enthusiasts. Bacterial and fungal infections in particular have challenged fish health professionals and hobbyists alike. Many of today's current medications have become less effective due to resistant strains of infecting bacteria. In response to this growing problem, Aquarium Pharmaceuticals investigated hundreds of botanical extracts for use against fish diseases. Over six years of research and development resulted in the formulation of MelaFix™. Pond Care MelaFix is an all-natural medication derived from the leaves of "Melaleuca," the scientific name for the tea tree. The healing properties of tea tree extract have been known for centuries. University studies and extensive laboratory tests showed that MelaFix is an effective antibacterial remedy for pond fish. MelaFix also caused rapid repair of damaged fish tissue and fins. New growth was seen in as little as four days of treatment. This evidence led to the granting of a United States patent. International patents are pending.

Bacterial and fungal infections in pond fish Disease-causing organisms are present in all ponds. Anytime a physical abrasion damages fish tissue, bacterial and fungal pathogens seize the opportunity to infect the fish. Shipping, netting, and poor water quality also weaken the fish's Immune system, permitting disease problems to occur. Skin and fin abrasions are an unavoidable part of fishkeeping. Therefore the potential for disease problems occurs with every new fish arrival, whether it is at the hatchery, fish wholesaler, water garden shop, or in the homeowner’s pond.

External bacterial infections cause a variety of symptoms including split and ragged fins. In extreme cases, the fins erode back to the body. Eyes may become coated with a whitish slime or protrude from the head. Bacterial infections cause hazy, slimy patches to develop on the body. These patches may develop into red ulcers. "Mouth fungus," caused by Flavobacterium (formerly Flexibacter) causes mouth tissue to deteriorate and may appear as tufts of cotton. In many cases, fish do not rapidly respond to traditional medications.

Fungal infections usually occur as a secondary infection, invading tissue already damaged by bacterial and parasitic diseases. Fungus also attacks fish that have been weakened by shipping, rough handling, exposure to ammonia and nitrite, improper netting, and malnutrition. Fungal pathogens use digestive enzymes to feed on the fish tissue. These enzymes damage nearby healthy tissue, allowing the disease to spread. Common symptoms include white cottony growth on fins, skin and mouth of fish. Healing of the damaged tissue will speed the elimination of the fungal disease.

MelaFix has powerful antibacterial properties that treat the wound and promote rapid tissue healing. Healing and tissue regeneration can usually be seen in the first four days of treatment. MelaFix also promotes re-growth of damaged fin rays and tissue. In test cases where fish had lost all tail and dorsal fins, MelaFix completely restored both fins to their original condition. MelaFix heals the wound and restores damaged tissue.

Use to treat bacterial infections on koi and goldfish, also use when introducing new fish to tanks or ponds. MelaFix is safe for snails and other invertebrates, safe for aquatic plants, domestic animals and other wildlife and MelaFix will not harm the biological filter. MelaFix will not color the water and will not stain ornaments. MelaFix has no effect on pH of the pond water.