Melafix and Bettafix for use with labyrinth fish

Hey guys, so something I commonly see on here is people advising against the use of melafix and bettafix in bettas. I have also advised the same. I was wondering if anyone could share studies they have found, and basically anything more concrete on a reason as to not use it. I know that the active ingredient used in both CAN cause damage but I haven't been able to find a conclusive answer on what concentration it can be harmful. Because of the lack of research and conclusive information, I wont ever use it, along with the fact its not very effective and there are just so many safer and better antibiotic option on the market. But I would love a little discussion here on talking about the dangers and negative effects that excludes personal experience and anecdotal evidence. I will be looking more into any studies that HAVE been done but I thought crowd sourcing for info may also be helpful.

Sorry if this is in the wrong section, I wasn't sure where to put it exactly.

 

Here’s a thread that might help you out,
Update Regarding Labyrinth Fish and Melafix | 75644 | Betta Fish


Personally I don’t use the fixes, simply because they don’t treat infections and using an extra med that does nothing will just stress a fish. If the issue isn’t serious, the fish will easily heal on his/her own as long as conditions are optimal. There’s no use throwing medicines at a healthy fish. If the fish is sick, than there’s no use in stressing the fish unnecessarily or delaying the use of a proper medicine by using something that won’t work

 

Can it even be considered a medicine? Its basically water with antibacterial properties.

I always hear that since its a tree oil of some kind it can make it harder for the fish to breath at the surface and coat the labyrinth organ with oil.

 

Can it even be considered a medicine? Its basically water with antibacterial properties.

I always hear that since its a tree oil of some kind it can make it harder for the fish to breath at the surface and coat the labyrinth organ with oil.

I’ve also heard these things. I guess I’m looking for more conclusive research on this, or something similar like melaleuca oil in general. Sadly I haven’t found anything. A friend of mine emailed API and of course they call it a myth and blame it on new fish keepers who don’t know the nitrogen cycle and use it as the cause of death. Which I think is fair for part of the stories you hear, but not all. Idk what to think. With lack of evidence, I will stay clear but some use lack of evidence as a “go ahead” for safe use. My other thing is the fact that the bettafix dose is 80% lower than melefix. Suggesting the higher dose may be harmful if used with betta, which is why they have a special betta formula. Just an idea.

 

I’ve also heard these things. I guess I’m looking for more conclusive research on this, or something similar like melaleuca oil in general. Sadly I haven’t found anything. A friend of mine emailed API and of course they call it a myth and blame it on new fish keepers who don’t know the nitrogen cycle and use it as the cause of death. Which I think is fair for part of the stories you hear, but not all. Idk what to think. With lack of evidence, I will stay clear but some use lack of evidence as a “go ahead” for safe use. My other thing is the fact that the bettafix dose is 80% lower than melefix. Suggesting the higher dose may be harmful if used with betta, which is why they have a special betta formula. Just an idea.

IMO API only made these meds because homeopathy and botanicals are becoming popular with pets, people seem to think their pets don’t need medicine or are scared to use medicines because they think they’re too severe on the pet. Yes, medicines are as severe to pets as they are to humans, but that’s why they work. I’m not saying homeopathy or botanicals are bad, for small burns or cuts (the kind of things that can also heal on their own) I realize they can ease pain and aid healing to some extent, but should we use them for major burns or for a large cut? Of course not. The problem is what looks not very serious to us can actually be very serious for the fish. They’re much smaller and their environment is inclosed. No surprise API stands by their products. Their fixes use essential oils, which if you were to buy on their own, will explicitly say do not apply directly to skin or mouth. When you put it in your tank, it’s coming into contact with your fish’s skin and gills. Sure, it’s diluted greatly, but if it does more harm than good, why use it?. Just get a real medicine at that point.