Concerns about medicine and live plants

[Findlay]

Here I am again!

I am wondering how a treatment like Maracyn would affect a planted tank?
Is it pointless to try to treat the tank/water/plants while the fish is not in it?

I'm worried about any bacteria that might cause fin-rot.
I'm not sure my boy has it or not, he will be getting AQ treatment in a temp 1gal anyway to encourage regrowth.

So, Maracyn II and a full water change?
I would really appreciate any advice

Thanks!!

[Oldfishlady]

I would not use the antibiotic....not needed......you have lots of bacteria in the tank both good and bad...this is normal and the antibiotic can't tell the difference between good and bad so it kills all of it and this upsets the balance....what you need to work on is maintaining water quality and supporting the fish immune response with clean water and good nutrition....

Its never a good idea to use antibiotic "just because" or "just in case"...you can do more harm than good.......

[Findlay]

Again, I'm glad I asked! I'm even more glad that you answered

Perhaps then, just do his AQ treatment, and keep the tank as is?
I suppose the good bacteria will overcome the bad in that time he is not in it?

I had no clue of all the things I still don't know! Yikes
Thanks, OFL

[Oldfishlady]

Actually, its a balance...one of the immune response role is to build antibodies.....the good and bad pathogens need each other and feed off each other...a balance.....you will always have bad bacteria and this is good.....in a closed system we the hobbyist keep this under control with water changes and helping the fish stay healthy...quality water and good nutrition are the main players in the game....just like with us....clean living, exercise and good balanced diet...taking antibiotic for every little ailment and we cause resistant issues.......and end up doing more harm than good and soon nothing will work...less is best in most cases......

Be sure and make a 50% water change on the main tank before you add the Betta back after the treatment is completed......