11 Rules When Medicating Your Aquarium

• 1. Calculate the exact volume of your Aquarium.

  Remember to take filtration and space occupied by décor into account.

• 2. Double check your maths.

  For both the tank volume and medication dose calculation.

• 3. Check medication compatibility with your aquarium inhabitants.

  Sensitive fish such as scaleless fish (loaches, catfish) or invertebrates such as shrimp or coral won’t tolerate certain medications so it is vital you check compatibility before dosing.

• 4. Check drug compatibility with salt.

  Certain medications are not compatible with salt water. Use specific medications for freshwater and salt water aquariums.

• 5. Dose in the morning.

  Rule 101. Dose in the morning so you can observe the fish throughout the day. This allows you to react if an adverse reaction is seen!

• 6. Provide excellent aeration throughout treatment.

  As many chemicals will deplete oxygen levels during treatment.

• 7. Evenly mix the medication into aquarium.

  This is to avoid ‘hotspots’ of concentrated drug causing harm to tank inhabitants. It’s advisable to dilute the medication in tank water first in a separate container and then mix into the tank.

  Some labels may even advise you add the product slowly over a time period.

• 8. Check medications are in date and have been stored correctly.

  Spoiled products can cause fatalities.

• 9. Do not mix medications unless advised otherwise.

  Some medications can have adverse effects when used together.

• 10. Turn off UV, protein skimmers and remove any binding agents from the filter.

  Charcoal/carbon sponges will bind medications and reduce the efficacy of the medication.

• 11. Read the label thoroughly.

  Know what, when and how to use it the medication appropriately.

  The misuse of medications can be lethal.

Rule 101: Dose in the morning so you can monitor throughout the day