[sub-80]

Hello;

I want to make a thread where members can speak of chemicals that they have found to do better than what they have expected of them. I know a majority of members negatively view chemicals but in some cases they are a last resort. So this is in hope of making cluster of information on a variety of chemical brands that have been seen to be effective.

The entry should contain product title and brand and its use and your experience.

"Paraguard" from Seachem, "ParaGuard™ is the only fish and filter safe aldehyde based (10% by weight) parasite control product available. Unlike highly toxic and difficult to use formalin based medications, ParaGuard™ contains no formaldehyde or methanol and will not alter pH. ParaGuard™ employs a proprietary, synergistic blend of aldehydes, malachite green, and fish protective polymers that effectively and efficiently eradicates many ectoparasites on fish (e.g. ich, etc.) and external fungal/bacterial/viral lesions (e.g., fin rot). It is particularly useful in hospital and receiving tanks for new fish and whenever new fish are introduced to a community tank. For use in freshwater or marine." (Website)

A family member of mine had a 330 Liter tank filled with red blood parrots and silver dollars and I noticed that all the fish had white spots (Ich). I had previous experience with ich and I used another product and none of the infected fish survived, so when I purchased Seachem Paraguard I was skeptical about how well it works. After 2-3 days the fish were back to normal, which is a miracle compared to the previous experience.

If you have a product that you believe is amazing let us know.

 

[Indychus]

Salt.

 

[thelub]

Melafix. Not really a chemical, but I swear by the stuff for helping heal fins and minor abrasions/wounds.

Heals open wounds and abrasions
Ideal for use in both freshwater and saltwater
Safe for reef aquariums and live plants
Contains tea tree extract that promotes healing

 

[sub-80]

Salt.

Salt? I heard it is used for some illness. Can you give more info.

 

[sub-80]

"Pure Liquid" from Ocean Free. I wouldn't same amazing because it is hard to verify it due to the fact I used a variety of other products during the use of this product.

What I can say is that I have seen some better improvements for some of my tanks with the fish they seem more active and the water got less cloudy. One of the reasons that I am talking about this product is that I poured algaecide in my tank then placed red fire shrimp after remembering that I had used algaecide I poured "Pure Liquid" and 3 of the Fire Red Shrimp survived. I can't be sure that "Pure Liquid" is the reason for their survival but thought its worth saying.

 

[discuspaul]

Seachem Purigen - It's a clarifier, polisher, and water purifier of the highest order, unmatched by any other product in the industry. Quickly removes/rids a tank of tannins, cloudy or greenish water conditions, and produces almost instantaneous crystal clarity - all of this without adversely affecting beneficial/essential elements within the tank water, nor plant fertilizers.
An excellent, extremely reliable product whose cost is minimal given the capacity of replenishing it's efficacy through numerous possible re-generations, using a simple 50/50 bleach/water solution.
I've used it 24/7 in my planted discus tanks for several years straight. Wouldn't be without it.

 

[plantbrain]

Tap water (water changes).

 

[xmas_one]

Melafix. Not really a chemical, but I swear by the stuff for helping heal fins and minor abrasions/wounds.

Heals open wounds and abrasions
Ideal for use in both freshwater and saltwater
Safe for reef aquariums and live plants
Contains tea tree extract that promotes healing

This is diluted tea tree oil. Works good.

 

[Sethjohnson30]

Tap water (water changes).

+1 I would add prime if your using tap water though.

(I know Tom knows this,but everyone else may not)

 

[Bettatail]

levamisole

 

[gSTiTcH]

Vinegar and Water for maintaining the OUTSIDE of the tank and de-mineralizing my filters.

 

[Gtdad2]

Tap water (water changes).

+1roud:

 

[CrypticLifeStyle]

+1 Prime
+1 Melafix

& baking soda seems to be love potion #9 to get my fish to breed when i want them to.

 

[danielt]

In a properly maintained tank you don't need chemicals. I had a small infection on one of my Cardinal Tetras that went away after a week without any medication. I did, however, a long needed water change and increased feeding regime to once a day with fresh bloodworms. Fish stress = fish disease. A chemical will cure the disease but you need to address the stress. Just like algae and Excel or hydrogen peroxide.

 

[GraphicGr8s]

All I can tell you is to stay away from the silent killer Dihydrogen Monoxide.

DHMrg

 

[sub-80]

+1 Prime
+1 Melafix

& baking soda seems to be love potion #9 to get my fish to breed when i want them to.

Baking Soda? How did you come up with that? Do you know why it works and what kind do you use and how much and what kind of fish?

 

[CrypticLifeStyle]

My Geophagus species, Sp. Tapajos Orangeheads/Redheads - Leucosticta's - Altifrons.


No idea why its worked, been doing it since i discovered the difference in rapid spawning back in 2009. In the wild South american fish tend to do it in low PH waters during rain season, this is a direct opposite of how baking soda effects the water. Measurements are a tad under 1/3 cup per 50 gallons. Arm & Hammer

 

[cobra]

Seachem Purigen - It's a clarifier, polisher, and water purifier of the highest order, unmatched by any other product in the industry. Quickly removes/rids a tank of tannins, cloudy or greenish water conditions, and produces almost instantaneous crystal clarity - all of this without adversely affecting beneficial/essential elements within the tank water, nor plant fertilizers.
An excellent, extremely reliable product whose cost is minimal given the capacity of replenishing it's efficacy through numerous possible re-generations, using a simple 50/50 bleach/water solution.
I've used it 24/7 in my planted discus tanks for several years straight. Wouldn't be without it.

Somewhere I saw the term "magic beans" to describe Purigen. I would have to agree.

 

[herns]

Algaefix.

 

[sub-80]

Agree with the guys that include "Prime" from Seachem to the list.

"Prime® is the complete and concentrated conditioner for both fresh and salt water. Prime® removes chlorine, chloramine and ammonia. Prime® converts ammonia into a safe, non-toxic form that is readily removed by the tank’s biofilter. Prime® may be used during tank cycling to alleviate ammonia/nitrite toxicity. Prime® detoxifies nitrite and nitrate, allowing the biofilter to more efficiently remove them. It will also detoxify any heavy metals found in the tap water at typical concentration levels. Prime® also promotes the production and regeneration of the natural slime coat. Prime® is non-acidic and will not impact pH. Prime® will not overactivate skimmers. Use at start-up and whenever adding or replacing water."

Had cloudy water for a couple of days did a 50% water change but the cloudy water came back. I assumed its due to an ammonia spike because I removed most of my plants, was using a sponge filter at the time and had a large number of fish. So I doubled the dosage of prime and by morning the water was crystal clear.