Fish Bath Methylene Blue Alternatives

[Carlrs]

FROM:

https://www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2009/07/fish-baths.html#alternative

QUOTE:

Alternatives to Methylene Blue

AAP Bettmax This product already contains Methylene Blue as well as these ingredients/medications; Nitrofurazone, Vitamins, NaCl, Sulfas: methazine, diazine, and merazine.
The advantage of using this product is you have a ready made bath treatment for many issues (well beyond Betta treatment)that combines Methylene Blue along with some of the best additional bath ingredients. In fact this is probably the best bath treamtnet you can use when more than just Methylene Blue and salt are called for.
Suggest use is double package recommended in tank dose for a 20-30 minute bath.
Product Source: AAP Bettamax

Acriflavin (found in API Fungus Cure), at double recommended tank dose can be substituted for Methylene Blue for treatment baths for ailments such as wounds, and very stubborn fungus infections (which can be common in bettas kept in confined spaces).
Product Source: API Fungue Cure, Neutroflavin, Acriflavin

Kordon Fish Therapy Curative Bath, This is an all natural fish bath developed by Kordon containing natural therapeutic oils (including citrus, neem, and lavender oils), and aloe vera.
However do not be fooled thinking that just because it is natural, it is therefore better, as this is NOT a replacement of Methylene Blue for fish suffering from ammonia poisoning, low oxygen damage, pH shock, or other bath medications for more serious problems.

This product is best used without any other medications as an alternative treatment or preventative for suspected mild to some moderate problems, in particular if parasites are suspected (either internal or external). Use with salts is OK and suggested for moderate to serious issues (either or both Epsom Salt or Sodium Chloride).

Product Source: Kordon Fish Therapy Curative Bath from AAP

Potassium Permanganate (at double recommended tank dose) can be substituted for Methylene Blue for treatment baths for ailments such as Flukes, cloudy eyes, & some stubborn parasite and bacterial infections such as Columnaris(generally Potassium Permanganate is the better choice for Columnaris unless the fish is displaying rapid breathing or is on "death's door").
Product Source: Jungle Potassium Permanganate, Clear Water

HOWEVER for "pure" preventative baths, ammonia poisoning or unknown problems, Methylene Blue is by far the better choice.

Unlike Methylene Blue; DO NOT mix Potassium Permanganate with antibiotics.

See this article under Potassium Permanganate or Methylene Blue for more:
Aquarium Medications; Chemical Treatments.

Another key point is that Methylene Blue can quite SAFELY be overdosed as it takes high amounts with long term exposure to be toxic, while Potassium Permanganate should NEVER be overdosed.

CAUTIONS About the Use of Potassium Permanganate for Baths & Painting (Swabbing) Infections:

Since Potassium Permanganate is strong oxidizer, caution should be exercised in usage for baths and especially as direct application for external infections (unlike Methylene Blue which is very difficult to over dose).
For most fish, a double dose of the normal 'in tank' recommended dosage is used.
This varies from product to product, however using Jungle Clear Water as an example; the recommended tank dosage is 5 mL per ten gallons, so the bath dosage would be 10 mL per ten gallons (or 5 mL per 5 gallons of “bath” water).
Fish such as many Tetras, Loaches, and similar “sensitive” fish should be given consideration in dosage of Potassium Permanganate.

An even more important consideration is the use of Potassium Permanganate for direct application/swabbing of certain infections such as external symptoms of Columnaris or Saprolegnia/Fungus (see the next section for more about swabbing/dips).

Potassium Permanganate should be diluted at least 3/1 up to 2/1 (water/PP) for this use and often more so depending upon the fish in question (testing on a healthy part of the fish in question or a related fish may help determine tolerance).
As well do NOT use even diluted PP anywhere near the gills of a fish, or on fish tissue showing signs of necrosis [1], THIS CAN BE LETHAL.
Use a diluted PP swab ONLY on areas of actual Columnaris, Saprolegnia, or related infection such as the common "Saddleback" often seen in Columnaris or the fuzzy growth areas of Saprolegnia.

If Potassium Permanganate or Hydrogen Peroxide is accidentally applied directly to the gills, an immediate 3-5 minute dip in water with a 2-3 x normal dose of SeaChem Prime or other similar water conditioner is a must!
The use of AAP Res-Q or Prime or other similar water conditioner at double strength in a 2-5 minute dip (using tank water) is also strongly suggest after a bath using Potassium Permanganate or Hydrogen Peroxide if only to help restore the slime coat and restore the fish Redox Balance since most aquarium water conditioners are temporary Redox Reducers.

Product Sources:
SeaChem Prime, Temporary Redox Reducer AAP Res-Q; Premium Medicated Bandage, Reducer, & Slime Coat Protector

Further Information: Aquarium Water Conditioner Review

Please note that this point of dilution does NOT apply to Methylene Blue which is safe to use full strength, even around gills (although internal gill application is best performed via a bath, not a swab).