Medications List & Dosage Breakdowns

Sometimes, though we try very hard to keep our bettas healthy, they do get sick and need a medication to help them recover. There are many medications to choose from. I decided to keep this list very basic and in check with the ones that you will see mentioned most here at The Betta Obsession. 

Remember not to mix medications unless it is stated on the insert that it is safe to do so. Unless you are sure it is alright either per instructions, or per the experience of another, it is always best to play it safe.

Something to keep in mind, spending time in medication can be stressful to your betta. Only choose to medicate your betta when it is absolutely necessary.

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Aquarium Salt

All natural salt, made from evaporated sea water, promotes healthy gill function, reduces stress and loss of electrolytes. Used to improve the efficiency of medications and reduce the harmful effects of nitrite.

Dosage per Gallon: Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon per gallon as a preventative, increase to 1 teaspoon per gallon when treating for illness.

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 Melafix

Melafix antibacterial remedy that uses a derivative of the Melaleuca (Tea Tree) to treat bacterial infections in fresh and saltwater fish. Rapidly repairs damaged fins, heals open wounds and ulcers, stops mouth fungus, and treats fin and tail rot.

Dosage per Gallon: Add 10 drops per gallon. Many use this in combination with aquarium salt at each water change as an added preventative measure. Be sure to purchase an eyedropper as the medication does not come with one.

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 Jungle Fungus Eliminator

An effective anti-protozoan, antibacterial treatment that is highly effective against a wide variety of diseases like fungus, gray slime, dropsy, open sores, bloody spots and streaks, fin and tail rot, cloudy eyes and swim bladder disease.

Dosage per Gallon:  Perform a 100% water change before using medication. Use 1/4 teaspoon per gallon. For 5 gallons, use 1 teaspoon as recommended by the bottle. Wait 4 days for moderately ill fish and 2 or 3 days for extremely ill fish to repeat the dosage.

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 Mardel Biospheres Maracyn Plus Antibacteria

Maracyn Plus contains two powerful broad spectrum antibiotics that are effective against a wide range of bacterial diseases such as fin and tail rot, popeye, dropsy, ulcers, mouth and body fungus. The microscopic biospheres attach directly to the fish delivering the medication where it is needed. Prevents re-infection during treatment. Use as soon as the first signs of disease are noted.

Dosage per Gallon: Perform 100% water change. Add 11 drops per gallon of water on days one, three and five.

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 Maracyn Tablets: (Fresh Water)

Broad-spectrum, nontoxic antibiotic tablets used to treat the following: Body fungus, (white grayish material covering most of the body), Fin and Tail Rot (split, ragged and deteriorating fin and/or tail), Popeye (protruding eyes, may be cloudy or hazy), Gill Disease (swollen, discolored gills, gasping for air and a decrease in activity), and secondary infections.

Dosage per Gallon: Perform a 100% water change. Dissolve 1 tablet in 10 teaspoons of water. Add 1 teaspoon of concentrate per gallon. Add 1 teaspoon daily of the concentrate mixture.

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 Maracyn-Two Tablets: (Fresh Water)

Broad-spectrum, nontoxic antibiotic tablets for treating infections of fin and tail rot, popeye, gill disease, dropsy, septicemia, secondary and internal infections. This broad spectrum antibiotic (minocycline) is absorbed through the fish's skin and is able to fight systemic infections susceptible to its action. Effective even when fish won't eat in freshwater aquariums. No water changes, pH, or temperature adjustments necessary if readings are in ideal range.

Dosage per Gallon: Perform a 100% water change For one round, dissolve one tablet into 10 teaspoons of water. For first day, add 2 teaspoons of concentrated mixture per 1 gallon of water. For days 2-5, add 1 teaspoon of the concentrate per 1 gallon of water.

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 Tetracycline

Tetracycline is a Broad-Spectrum Gram Negative antibiotic tablet for treatment of Fin and tail rot (split, ragged and deteriorating fin and/or tail), popeye (protruding eyes, may be cloudy or hazy), gill disease (swollen, discolored gills, gasping for air and a decrease in activity) and secondary infections.

Dosage per Gallon: Perform a  100% water change. Dissolve 1 tablet in 10 teaspoons of water. Add 1 teaspoon of concentrate daily.

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Maracide

A highly effective treatment for ick (small white spots may cover entire body, fish may rub or scratch against bottom), protozoan/velvet (tiny yellowish-white spots, loss of color, rubbing or scratching against bottom), parasites (extra mucus, visible spots or worms, rapid breathing, flashing and scratching or rubbing on rocks).

Dosage per Gallon:Use one drop per gallon of water and repeat every 24 hours for 5 days or until all symptoms are gone.

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Maroxy

Maroxy is a safe, stable, nonmetallic, and non-staining medication for the treatment of true fungal infections of both fish and their eggs. Also effective treatment of Bacterial diseases. For fresh and salt water. 

Fungus: whitish tufts of cotton-like material found on fin, tail, and body at sites of injury or on developing eggs.

Bacterial diseases: Clamped fins, swollen eyes, heavy or rapid breathing, patchy coloration.

Dosage per Gallon: Use one drop per gallon of water and repeat every 24 hours for no more than 5 days.

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