on the box it states "product may harm beneficial nitrifying bacteria"
2007-03-18 12:53:38 · 7 answers · asked by jacey a 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
That warning on the box is a major understatement. Furanace is a great medication and has properties that many other over the counter fish medications don't have, but it's an antibiotic and as such will completely kill your nitrifying bacteria. Any antibiotic will do this while most other medications like malachite green, methylene blue, formalin etc will not harm the bacteria population at all.
Please also know that Furanace (Nifurpirinol) is a known carcinogen and that is why it's no longer used for humans. it would be a good idea to always wash your hands after exposure to the medication or water containing the medication.
MM
2007-03-18 13:31:15 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Furanace may very well compromise the nitrifying bacteria,and if you have charcoal in the Bio-wheel filter pad it may well compromise the medicinal action of the Furanace. For this sort of treatment a hospital tank with a simple sponge filter is a requirement. What caused the need for antibiotics in the first place?
2007-03-18 13:31:58 · answer #2 · answered by PeeTee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most fish meds have that effect (methelyne blue, formaline, etc). The meds target bacteria and other organisms no matter if they are good or bad for your tank. Also, it will affect live plants and critters as well. It is strongly recommended to use a hospital tank. If you treat it directly in the main tank, you will not only kill just the bacteria from the biowheel, but in the main tank as well. It will then cause the fish to "gasp", rubbing on things and all that (ammonia spike). If this happens to you in the future (which i hope it doesnt) do a 50% water change and feed it sparingly for awhile to let the beneficial bacteria recover their numbers.
2007-03-18 13:20:58 · answer #3 · answered by flipnotik 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it says that, you should only use it in a hospital tank as it will most likely wipe out your entire bacteria colony and you will be back to an uncycled tank and have major problems. Also keep in mind that when using medications, you must remove the carbon from your filter or it will remove the antibiotic from the water.
2007-03-18 13:29:31 · answer #4 · answered by rdd1952 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remember, these little organism on your bio-wheel are also bacteria, and medications that kill bacteria will/may kill them since they are still bacteria, albeit good ones.
2007-03-18 12:59:57 · answer #5 · answered by Mai T 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Furanace
2016-12-16 13:55:55 · answer #6 · answered by lempicki 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to use this medication in a hospital tank
2007-03-18 13:01:26 · answer #7 · answered by bzzflygirl 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋