New to Malachite Blue

[DAT_WRASSE]

I am treating malachite blue in my quarantine after a current ich outbreak on my French Angel. I understand that malachite will defuse with light. What about if I turn the lights on for a minute to exam my fishes behavior, will I have to retreat the entire tank again?

 

[Humblefish]

Just so I'm sure which chemical you're talking about... Is it Methylene blue or Malachite green? There is no "malachite blue".

 

[DAT_WRASSE]

Just so I'm sure which chemical you're talking about... Is it Methylene blue or Malachite green? There is no "malachite blue".

Malachite green

 

[Humblefish]

I'm more familiar with Methylene blue than Malachite green, but this is what I know:

• Even though Malachite green has a copper derivative, it's not potent enough to completely eradicate SW ich. Or any saltwater external parasites for that matter. I believe it is used to treat freshwater ich and this is probably where the confusion derives.
  
• Malachite green is more of a "healing agent" or "companion chemical". It basically treats ammonia burn, cuts, injuries, wounds, etc. Think of all those tiny bite marks that ich/velvet leaves behind.
• Malachite green works best when mixed with formalin or an antibiotic, such as Nitrofurazone.
  
• Malachite green is light sensitive, but I don't think lights on for a minute is going to have much of an impact.