Ok, This is going to be long.



Took some time to look into whether or not Melafix effects the beneficial bacteria. I wrote them an email--of course, I have not heard back yet. I also used their "Form" on their website and haven't heard back on that either. I called them and got some BS message about how they are on the phone right now and that I need to leave a message with my question and phone number: No. Not gunna Happen. What a selfish bunch of Pricks. Good name from Good Products--Lousy Tech/Customer Support. Really Pisses me off. Like I am going to sit here all day waiting for them to call me back at THEIR Convenience. I will certainly let them know what I think......



Anyway, From their website (Of course, their "Aquarium" section isn't completed yet, so this is from the pond section):



http://www.aquariumpharm.com/xlsheets.html --Select "Pond Care"



Pond Care Melafix: "All-natural antibacterial remedy rapidly repairs damaged fins, ulcers & open wounds. Treats fin & tail rot. Use when adding new fish to the pond. Will not affect the biological filter or alter the pH of the pond. Safe for snails and other invertebrates."







Technical Sheet By Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, Inc:



http://www.watergardencreations.com/AQUARIUMPHARM.HTML Scroll Down



Pertinent Paragraph: "Use to treat bacterial infections on koi and goldfish, also use when introducing new fish to tanks or ponds. MelaFix is safe for snails and other invertebrates, safe for aquatic plants, domestic animals and other wildlife and MelaFix will not harm the biological filter. MelaFix will not color the water and will not stain ornaments. MelaFix has no effect on pH of the pond water."



Also, No mention of by-passing or turning off Filter:

"Directions for use: Shake well before using.



Remove activated carbon and turn off UV and ozone-producing units during treatment.



For recent: wounds, fin damage, or infection: add one teaspoon (5 ml) of MelaFix for every 50 U.S. gallons (190 L / 42 UK Imp. Gal. or ¼ cupful (60 ml) for every 600 U.S. gallons (2,280 L / 500 UK Imp. Gal. of pond water.



When treating an advanced or chronic infection: add two teaspoon (10 ml) of MelaFix for every 50 U.S. gallons (190 L / 42 UK Imp. Gal.or ¼ cupful (60 ml) for every 300 U.S. gallons (1,140 L / 250 UK Imp. Gal.of pond water.



In BOTH cases, dose daily for seven days. Treatment may be continued if necessary.



When adding new fish to the pond or when netting and handling fish: add one teaspoon (5 ml) of MelaFix for every 50 U.S. gallons (190 L 42 UK Imp. Gal. or ¼ cupful (60 ml) for every 600 U.S. gallons (2,280 L / 500 UK Imp. Gal. of pond water. Repeat dose for 3 days."









Product Advertisements:





http://www.pondarama.com/showcase/prods/176AC.html



" Will not harm aquatic plants, affect the pH or adversely affect the biological filter."







http://pondrx.com/store/customer/product.php?productid=48



"Q: Does MelaFix hurt my filter bacteria?



A: No, we tested this extensively and it has no antibacterial effects in vivo (in life) at all."







http://www.pondusa.com/treat6.htm



"Will not affect the biological filter or alter the pH of the pond"







http://www.pond-o-mania.com/pondcare.htm



"Will not harm aquatic plants, affect the pH or adversely affect the biological filter."







http://www.pondliner.com/MelaFix.htm



"MelaFix is safe for snails and other invertebrates, safe for aquatic plants, domestic animals and other wildlife and MelaFix will not harm the biological filter. MelaFix will not color the water and will not stain ornaments. MelaFix has no effect on pH of the pond water."







http://www.petco.com/product_info.asp?sku=1716302176&dept_id=-2



"Will not harm the biological filter."









Aquarium Melafix:



http://www.petco.com/product_info.asp?sku=1716307011&dept_id=-2



"Treating with MelaFix will not harm the biological filter in freshwater or saltwater aquariums or ponds. MelaFix will not color the water and will not stain ornaments or silicone sealer. MelaFix has no effect on pH. MelaFix is harmless to live aquarium plants."







The list goes on and on, including the info that is passed around the aquarium forums--Doesn't mean much, I know. Now, I'm not one to just accept Manufacturer's claims, so I am not quite a believer in the above. However, Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, Inc's claim that Melfix "Will not affect the biological filter,......" would be an out-right lie if there was not SOME truth to it.



The only way for me to know would be to do constant Ammonia Tests in the event that I ever need to use this stuff.



However, The manufacturer's claim is plain: "Will not affect the biological filter,...", so that puts the ball in your court: Who are these "Filtration Authorities"? I need direction from You to them in order to look into the other side of this Coin.......



Yes, I have Googled it, MSNed it and AltaVistAed it--The only things I found were either No Claim one way or the other, Or the claim that it will not harm the biological filter.



TIA

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