Question about treating with antibiotics

[Mzungu]

I'm currently treating some fish in a 5g QT with Triple Sulfa for an infection of Columnaris.

The directions on the package say to treat for 2 days, then do a 25% water change and repeat treatment.

Today is my day for the first water change, but I'd like to do a larger one. Would doing about a 75% water change interfere with the treatment, or do the instructions simply say 25% because that's what the manufacturers think is most doable for the majority of people out there?

[fshfrk]

As long as your filter is well established 75% is better. IMO. It is a little more stressfull so maybe pump in pretreated replacement water as you drain out old. So your water level does not go lower than a couple of inches. Good luck!

[Mzungu]

As long as your filter is well established 75% is better. IMO. It is a little more stressfull so maybe pump in pretreated replacement water as you drain out old. So your water level does not go lower than a couple of inches. Good luck!

Great! Thanks, John.

[imagirlgeek]

Antibiotics are usually not effective after a few hours anyway. Not sure about Triple-Sulfa, but I know that others are only actively working for about 6 - 8 hours.

[Mzungu]

Antibiotics are usually not effective after a few hours anyway. Not sure about Triple-Sulfa, but I know that others are only actively working for about 6 - 8 hours.

That's what I was wondering, if I was going to mess up anything by doing a larger-than-"recommended" water change.

Thanks, Traci. :biggrin:

[wesleydnunder]

I think the reason for a 25% change is to let the concentration of antibiotic build slowly. By doing a large-scale water change we defeat that. When we take antibiotics, the level builds slowly in our bodies for the first couple days and is then maintained through the rest of the treatment course. As we all know, it is paramount that we complete the entire course per directions. When we alter the treatment by stopping the antibiotics before the full course is taken we risk making the original disease stronger and resistant to the antibiotic. I think the same can happen with the fish meds. If it were me, I'd follow the instructions to the letter. Just my $.02.

Mark

[Darbex]

+1 with Mark.

[imagirlgeek]

According to the University of Florida Tropical Aquaculture lab, when administering antibiotics as a bath, 70% to 100% of the water should be changed after each daily treatment and before redosing (to avoid possible toxicity).

[wesleydnunder]

That's where Ryan, OrlandoDiscus, works. I got to learn something today. Thanks Traci!

[Darbex]

Do you have the article or report Traci?

[imagirlgeek]

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/FA/FA08400.pdf

[Darbex]

Very good info you should sticky this or something. I always followed instructions and made sure to complete the treatment like medicine for me to eliminate the possibility of strengthening the infection and never knew you could do more WC during treatments.

[fshfrk]

Great read Traci, Thanks!

[Mzungu]

Great read Traci, Thanks!

+1. Thank you!

I went ahead and changed 60% or so of the water before the treatment today (before you posted your answer), but will change 75% or more of the water tomorrow and the next day.