Is Melafix Safe In Reef Tanks?

[islander84]

Is melafix safe to use in reef tanks? How do you dose it and remove it if so? Thoughts on using it as a natural antibacterial to try and combat calothrix or lyngbya

 

[reef lover]

I don't think it's reef safe. But here's a bump.

 

[GlassMunky]

no, not at all.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I add saltwater melafix to my mix reef without issue but also dose at 50%. Its teak tree oil, not a medication.

According to manufacturer:
This remedy contains the healing properties of tea tree extract.
Designed not to harm biological filters and is safe for all marine and reef aquariums.

 

[GlassMunky]

I add saltwater melafix to my mix reef without issue but also dose at 50%. Its teak tree oil, not a medication.

According to manufacturer:
This remedy contains the healing properties of tea tree extract.
Designed not to harm biological filters and is safe for all marine and reef aquariums.

false.




Melafix (a proprietary name) is an all-natural aquarium antibiotic consisting of an essential oil from a tree in the Melaleuca genus. Contrary to popular opinion it is not made from the common Tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, but from Melaleuca leucadendra, also known as the Cajeput Tree. This is confirmed by the manufacturer's Safety Data Sheet.[1]

It is a wide-range antibiotic product, and thus is effective for a wide variety of mild gram positive bacterial infections, such as fin rot. However, it is generally ineffective against aquatic parasites and is typically used for treating the wounds caused by them in order to prevent secondary infection by other microorganisms.[2]

 

[vetteguy53081]

false.




Melafix (a proprietary name) is an all-natural aquarium antibiotic consisting of an essential oil from a tree in the Melaleuca genus. Contrary to popular opinion it is not made from the common Tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, but from Melaleuca leucadendra, also known as the Cajeput Tree. This is confirmed by the manufacturer's Safety Data Sheet.[1]

It is a wide-range antibiotic product, and thus is effective for a wide variety of mild gram positive bacterial infections, such as fin rot. However, it is generally ineffective against aquatic parasites and is typically used for treating the wounds caused by them in order to prevent secondary infection by other microorganisms.[2]

Read your own post. Its an antibiotic- Not a full blown medication. Ive been using it over 2 decades without issue. Wounds, ulcers and cloudy eye - stuff works good.

 

[GlassMunky]

Read your own post. Its an antibiotic- Not a medication. Ive been using it over 2 decades without issue. Wounds, ulcers and cloudy eye - stuff works good.

you really dont think antibiotics are medications? lolol wow...

 

[GlassMunky]

its generally not advised to just dose your tank with antibiotics, thats why people set up QT/treatment tanks.....

using it and it being effective has nothing to do with using it in a display or not

 

[vetteguy53081]

you really dont think antibiotics are medications? lolol wow...

Not a full dose such as formalin or copper which will destroy coral and inverts but a low dose to cure bacteria and similar symptoms. I am able to use melafix safely. Just treated cloudy eye in my 660g and those who know my tanks - no ill effects with my Many fish and coral.?
After 33 years, I don’t just throw anything in my tanks

 

[vetteguy53081]

its generally not advised to just dose your tank with antibiotics, thats why people set up QT/treatment tanks.....

using it and it being effective has nothing to do with using it in a display or not

I dose what is safe. Generally advised yes but not impossible successfully unless one is sure before adding

 

[GlassMunky]

I dose what is safe. Generally advised yes but not impossible successfully unless one is sure before adding

so if its not generally advisable as you just said, then why are you advising that others do it?
do you not see the problem here or just not care?

either way, im out..... ive posted up actual information from trusted sources, and thats all i can do.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I agree- done debating.
My original post states i use it at 50% without effect in MY OWN TANK.
Nowhere do i advise to use it. I stated i use it safely which I have and its my own testimony based on experience.

 

[Han]

I’ve used it in my tanks without any noticeable effects. Not saying it doesn’t have any effects, but I’ve never noticed anything bad other than my skimmer going crazy so I continue using it when needed.

 

[Losthawk69]

If it saying reef safe and kills your tank file a lawsuit reef tanks are not cheap sell snake oil then pay the price to hobbist who trusted you. Have it removed from the market or tell the truth on the label.

 

[Kudos]

Does anyone realize that there is 2 versions of melafix? a marine and non-marine? I know this is an old post but because it is high on the google rankings it is my duty to write this post. From the manufacture themselves Marine-Melafix is Reef Safe.

"API® MARINE MELAFIX fish remedy is a safe, natural fish remedy which should be used to treat bacterial infections in saltwater fish and corals. MARINE MELAFIX fish remedy contains Melaleuca (tea tree) extract to soothe and calm your fish, and rapidly repairs various fish ailments, from open sores to pop eye. It also reverses coral degradation. API MARINE MELAFIX fish remedy will not harm the biological filter in your aquarium, and may be used in all marine and reef aquariums."
Reference - API Marine Melafix

As for the original melafix I dont think they have claims of it being reef-safe. But as someone pointed out it can be used in a quarantine tank and while several others have had luck in their tank with it, the manufacture does not explicitly state its ok.

So is Melafix Reef Safe? "Yes if its the Marine Version." "Not Recommended per manufacture if not marine version.(doesnt mean it hasn't been done)"

Lastly the Marine Version does have Tea Tree Extract. The problem here is there is two versions and people need to clarify what version they are speaking of thats all.

 

[fishgirljockey]

I love Melafix! I use it religiously in my freshwater and salt tank. It’s great as a dip for corals. Never had a problem. It kills parasitic flatworms on live rock and coral and helps prevent a flatworms infestation. "Used in commercial coral farms to control bacterial infections, tissue degradation and for the removal of parasitic flatworms on wild corals." I sometimes even dose it after a water change for 7 days and then do another water change...everything looks so refreshed and healthy!