Reptile & Amphibian Forums

To any amature with the wild hair to keep acrochordidae lets say don't. The sucess rates suck. My collections pride and joy is my Javan Wart, excellent animal. I have had mine since Febuary, and have documented the cure to the fungus. I discovered a small group of acrochordidae live in Florida all seen as fungus free. Other than temp and relative water features this area of Florida has one thing in common with Indonesia. Melanocus, other wise known as Australian Tea Tree, grows in Indonesia, Australia, and introduced years ago to Florida. The Sleepy cod, a javans primary prey, feed on the tree roots as they enter the water. This tree root is the number one organic fungus cure ever found. It is known to cure ick for fish and other ailments. Oh yeah and a side note, it kills Achrochordae dermal fungus very quickly. When I recieved mine, tons of fungus. Months of salt soaks and various other attempts to cure the animal were really failing. The animal was loosing large chunks of flesh and the snake was loosing an up hill battle. Then I read about the tea tree occuring in the same area this snake live in florida. I gave it a try. Now anytime any infection signs come up, I treat the water and all symptoms dissapear. If anyone is interested I can post what the fungus looks like before it really gets bad. It starts as an out of place grey spot, then trouble. Knowing what it looks like can save the animal. Long story short, My wart snake is alive and well and I have plans for keeping more to prove my crazy, but seemingly possible theory. What causes the fungus, who knows, maybe its stress, but the tea tree oil seems to be the animals natural cure, and it works. Now my Javan is healthy and fat. Just the way I like him.

Your observations are very much appreciated as I am always interested in figuring out a resolution to skin ailments in fishes and reptiles. Are you meaning the roots of the Melaleuca tree? How are you administering this to the snake? I am no expert on this subject, but I think fungus is overly abundant in the wild, however fishes and aquatic reptiles have a natural barrier to fungus via their body slime, although reptiles seem to lack the slime. It seems that when they are stressed due to improper water quality, improper diet, or injured, they fail to produce a barrier and a fungus latches or attaches to the skin and starts to spread. And of course there are circumstances where fungi can be kept to a minimum with better water quality such as tannic or tea water. And I think that is related to ph and the color of the water as fungi do not seem to be able to develop in colored water. I used that acriflavin stuff on fungi and it has worked great but I understand it is no an actual medical cure, it is just that the fungus cannot grow in the green colored water? I understand that the roots of the melaleuca tree extend into the water areas where some of these snakes are located, however I am not convinced yet that they are receiving a natural protection from preying on fish that consume the roots of the tree? I am not saying your observations are wrong, but it would be interesting to make this cure available to everyone who has an interest in maintaining this species.

Fungal infection like that affect a great variety of Asian imports, especially aquatics. With tentacled snakes, it has been antedotically observed that tanic acid in the water is benefitial. Could it be the tanic acid produced by the root that is curing your fungus? at any rate please let us know how you administer it to the tank, thanks!

Thanx for the email.

I have the same question: How are You administering the Tea Tree Oil....????

Here's a related link that we may all find interesting:

http://www.holistic-online.com/Aromatherapy/aroma_ess-oil-tea-tree-oil.htm

The claims are at least in line with what you are saying.....

You may be on to something...........

I will look into this further when I get some time, but on first glance---here's a couple more links to the Australian Tea Tree Industry Association website:

http://www.teatree.org.au/teatree.shtml

http://www.teatree.org.au/research.shtml

This stuff is not hard to find for purchase online either.

Tea Tree oil can be purchased at any health food store, and some drug stores. Its the best as far as skin care goes. Its a natural astrigent, so it sucks the bad stuff from the skin...so I guess if you had a fungus and applied it with a q-tip every once in a while... it would work... I use it on scars and stuff on me..
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Coastal Carpet Python 0.1 (Lillith)
Albino Burm 0.1 (Kimba RIP 10/23/04)
Columbian RedTail 0.1 (Squishy)
Kenyan Sand Boa 1.0 (Shai'hulud) MIA
Brown Water Snake 0.1 (Fang)
Common Snapping Turtle 1.1 (Sherman and Tiger)
(RIP Abrahms)
RES 1.0 (speedy)
African Rock Python (Mongo) 0.0.1

I apply the oil in two ways.

As a treatment I remove my Acro from its water and let its skin dry this doesn't take but 15 minutes. I then apply a 5% dillution of the oil on the snakes wound itself. I use this time to force feed loaded squid to the snake. (Squid is slippery, a great shape, and easy to fill with Nutra-Cal since it is hollow in the middle. It is digestible and easy to push deep into the snakes body with a sterile long probe since the probe can go in the back of the squid and the squid will not fall apart like a fish. This takes 30 minutes or so. Then I simply place my Javan back into its tank. The second method I use is putting Tea tree into the tank with a fish safe form known as Mela-Fix. I tripple the dossage and add a dose every 1/2 water change weekly.
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2.2 Malaysian Blood Python
1.2 Borneo Black Blood Pythons
1.2 Sumatran Blood Pythons
1.2 Pastel Red Tail Boas
2.4 Ball Python
1.0 Albino Retic
0.1 Tiger Retic
0.1 Albino Burmese Python
1.1 Cooks Tree boa
1.0 Macklotts Python
1.1 Jungle Carpet Python
1.2 Kenyan Sand Boa
0.0.1 Kirklands Water Snake
0.0.1 Florida Banded Water Snake
0.0.1 Costa Rican Parrot Snake
0.0.2 Desert Night Snake
0.0.1 Oreintal Whip Snake
0.0.2 Western Shovel Nose snake
0.0.1 Mendota King Snake
0.0.1 Mohave Side Winder
0.1 Neon Cape Gopher
1.0 Thia Beauty Snake
0.0.1 Trans Pecos Rat Snake
2.4 Albino Natida King
1.2 Albino Conjuncta King
1.2 Desert Banded Gecko
1.1 Central American Banded Gecko
1.1 Tibetan Frog Eye Gecko
1.1 Dwarf Dune Gecko

Hi Myke,

Thanx! Sounds Great!

I believe in the ounce of prevention.........which I am addressing by trying to locate and meet the snakes security needs. So far its successful.

But the tea tree oil does sound very promising and its really good to have a guideline that someone else uses......

Many, many Thanx!

Excellent, please any water snake loving herpiculturalist, use this. It works so well for me and I want to be able to see it work for all of you as well. Each personal case story will ad or take away from the validity of this theory. All habitat studies show Acrochordus lives in close proximity and contacts/ consumes tea tree roots. I really believe this might be a major step in the right direction for these troublsome animals. I will begin posting case studies if any more fungus arises and photograph each stage so everyone can see how well the fungus reacts to the oil and discover for yourself if you think this is the missing link in this animals care. Best wishes to all lets work together on this! -Myke
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2.2 Malaysian Blood Python
1.2 Borneo Black Blood Pythons
1.2 Sumatran Blood Pythons
1.2 Pastel Red Tail Boas
2.4 Ball Python
1.0 Albino Retic
0.1 Tiger Retic
0.1 Albino Burmese Python
1.1 Cooks Tree boa
1.0 Macklotts Python
1.1 Jungle Carpet Python
1.2 Kenyan Sand Boa
0.0.1 Kirklands Water Snake
0.0.1 Florida Banded Water Snake
0.0.1 Costa Rican Parrot Snake
0.0.2 Desert Night Snake
0.0.1 Oreintal Whip Snake
0.0.2 Western Shovel Nose snake
0.0.1 Mendota King Snake
0.0.1 Mohave Side Winder
0.1 Neon Cape Gopher
1.0 Thia Beauty Snake
0.0.1 Trans Pecos Rat Snake
2.4 Albino Natida King
1.2 Albino Conjuncta King
1.2 Desert Banded Gecko
1.1 Central American Banded Gecko
1.1 Tibetan Frog Eye Gecko
1.1 Dwarf Dune Gecko

I forgot to post that Acrochords probably should not be allowed to ingest the tea tree oil internally other than what is absorbed from the low water dillution. (About 2 oz per ten gallons at a 1% concentration level for external use.) This is due to a high alchol content and the high acid content. I would watch Ph in addition as it does change a little. I can imagine tea tree could be damaging internally as many topicals are. (e.g. don't drink tinactin). Just a heads up. This is all still in testing stages, but so far so good.
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1.0 Javan Wart Snake
1.1 Emerald Tree Boa
1.1 Malaysian Blood Python
1.2 Sumatran Blood Pythons
1.2 Pastel Red Tail Boas
2.5 Ball Python
1.0 Albino Retic
0.1 Tiger Retic
1.0 Indonesian Tree boa
1.0 Macklotts Python
1.1 Jungle Carpet Python
1.2 Kenyan Sand Boa
0.0.1 Queen Snake
0.0.1 Florida Banded Water Snake
0.0.1 Costa Rican Parrot Snake
0.0.2 Desert Night Snake
0.1 Mangrove Snake
1.0 Western Hognose Snake
1.2 Western Shovel Nose snake
1.0 Mendota King Snake
0.0.1 Mohave Side Winder
0.1 Neon Cape Gopher
1.0 Newport Phase King
1.0 Blood Red Corn
1.0 Oketee Corn
0.1 Creamsicle corn
0.1 Anery Corn
0.1 Reverse Oketee
0.1 Pewter Corn
0.1 Secret F1 Corn
0.1 Apricot Pueblan Milk
2.4 Albino Natida King
1.2 Albino Conjuncta King
1.1 Desert Banded Gecko
1.1 Central American Banded Gecko
1.1 Tibetan Frog Eye Gecko
1.1 Dwarf Dune Gecko

In nature, melaleucas are often found along watercourses or along the edges of swamps. They occur in Northern Australia. With one exception, melaleucas have not become weeds outside of their natural habitat. Tea tree has become a serious pest in the Florida everglades in the USA. This particular species is widely used as a landscaping plant in many parts of Australia. Australian Aborigines used the leaves to treat cuts and skin infections. They would crush the leaves and apply them to the affected area. Captain James Cook and his crew named the tree “tea tree,” using its leaves as a substitute for tea as well as to flavor beer. Australian soldiers participating in World War I were given tea tree oil as a disinfectant, leading to a high demand for its production The active ingredient is a bit contraversial in Vet circles. They say because it contains terpinen (which is a key ingredient in terpentine the paint remover) it is deadly. Lest I remind them that terpinen is also found in other substances such as the ever so deadly carrots... wait carrots aren't deadly (beta-carotene has terpinen in it). Use in moderation, but the more I research the better its getting.
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1.0 Javan Wart Snake
1.1 Emerald Tree Boa
1.1 Malaysian Blood Python
1.2 Sumatran Blood Pythons
1.2 Pastel Red Tail Boas
2.5 Ball Python
1.0 Albino Retic
0.1 Tiger Retic
1.0 Indonesian Tree boa
1.0 Macklotts Python
1.1 Jungle Carpet Python
1.2 Kenyan Sand Boa
0.0.1 Queen Snake
0.0.1 Florida Banded Water Snake
0.0.1 Costa Rican Parrot Snake
0.0.2 Desert Night Snake
0.1 Mangrove Snake
1.0 Western Hognose Snake
1.2 Western Shovel Nose snake
1.0 Mendota King Snake
0.0.1 Mohave Side Winder
0.1 Neon Cape Gopher
1.0 Newport Phase King
1.0 Blood Red Corn
1.0 Oketee Corn
0.1 Creamsicle corn
0.1 Anery Corn
0.1 Reverse Oketee
0.1 Pewter Corn
0.1 Secret F1 Corn
0.1 Apricot Pueblan Milk
2.4 Albino Natida King
1.2 Albino Conjuncta King
1.1 Desert Banded Gecko
1.1 Central American Banded Gecko
1.1 Tibetan Frog Eye Gecko
1.1 Dwarf Dune Gecko

Hi Myke,

I currently don't need to use anything, because my Arafura is doing fine. However, with the research that I have done on other treatments (salt baths, etc)--the diluted Tea Tree Oil is going to be my first treatment if the need arises.

At first the Tea Tree Oil was sounding like "Snake Oil" (pun intended), but the more I've looked into it--the more it appears to have a lot of healing properties. There is Global research going on with this stuff. It has attracted a lot of attention to itself---which is good.

From the Research Page at the Australian Tea Tree Industry Association:

Comprehensive susceptibility data for fungi, including those involved in human skin infections

"A new paper from the Tea Tree Oil Research Group at The University of Western Australia has been published and provides the most comprehensive data yet on the susceptibility of dermatophytes and other filamentous fungi to tea tree oil (TTO). Appearing in the August edition of the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (Hammer et al., 50:196-199), the article reports TTO susceptibility data for 106 dermatophyte isolates and 78 isolates of other filamentous fungi. Organisms in the genera Epidermophyton, Microsporum and Trichophyton are known collectively as dermatophytes and are the causative agents of several common skin infections including tinea and ringworm. The other filamentous fungi tested include organisms such as Alternaria, Fusarium and Penicillium species that are ubiquitous in the environment, although rarely cause infections in humans. The results show that low concentrations of TTO ranging from 0.016-0.03% inhibit the growth of 90% of the dermatophytes while concentrations in the order of 0.25-1% kill them. Low concentrations of TTO (0.06-0.12%) also inhibit the growth of 90% of the other filamentous fungi while higher concentrations of TTO (2-8%) are required to kill these fungi. Additional work reported in the paper examined the killing effect of TTO against selected fungi over time and the activity of TTO against fungal conidia (spore-like structures) before and after germination.

The results of this work provide a sound basis for the subsequent development of therapeutically active TTO products. TTO clearly has activity against a number of fungi relevant to clinical infections in humans. If products that retain or augment this antimicrobial activity can be formulated and proven efficacious in controlled clinical trials, TTO can become formally recognised as a viable alternative to conventional antifungal agents."

Even though we can't just believe everything we read---Humans have been using the Tea Tree for its healing benefits for a long, long time, and I personally believe that nature has all the answers.

I'm glad you don't need to use it hopefully you'll never need to. If you do let me know how it goes. How long have you had your Arafura? I have a Javan and will be getting an Arafura the next time one becomes available. If you see one let me know, I have a few connections, but you can never have to many connections. Good to here your animals doing well keep us posted.
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1.0 Javan Wart Snake
1.1 Emerald Tree Boa
1.1 Malaysian Blood Python
1.2 Sumatran Blood Pythons
1.2 Pastel Red Tail Boas
2.5 Ball Python
1.0 Albino Retic
0.1 Tiger Retic
1.0 Indonesian Tree boa
1.0 Macklotts Python
1.1 Jungle Carpet Python
1.2 Kenyan Sand Boa
0.0.1 Queen Snake
0.0.1 Florida Banded Water Snake
0.0.1 Costa Rican Parrot Snake
0.0.2 Desert Night Snake
0.1 Mangrove Snake
1.0 Western Hognose Snake
1.2 Western Shovel Nose snake
1.0 Mendota King Snake
0.0.1 Mohave Side Winder
0.1 Neon Cape Gopher
1.0 Newport Phase King
1.0 Blood Red Corn
1.0 Oketee Corn
0.1 Creamsicle corn
0.1 Anery Corn
0.1 Reverse Oketee
0.1 Pewter Corn
0.1 Secret F1 Corn
0.1 Apricot Pueblan Milk
2.4 Albino Natida King
1.2 Albino Conjuncta King
1.1 Desert Banded Gecko
1.1 Central American Banded Gecko
1.1 Tibetan Frog Eye Gecko
1.1 Dwarf Dune Gecko

I've only had this Arafuran for a bit over 2 months. It arrived with a white spot on its head. It was stressed enough that it missed a shed--turned blue, didn't shed, then turned blue again a month later and finally shed. The white spot came off. I have been keeping a close eye on him and there is no sign of it returning. But like I said--I believe in the ounce of prevention. I have pretty much sorted out his security needs--so he's happy.

He's a 4 1/2' male, wild-caught import, of course. He's doing fine and eats like there's no tomorrow.

Inhaling a 30g Comet.......

You feed yours comets I see, has it eaten anything else? Do you keep a large number of comets in the tank at all times? I would worry about how they would affect the amonnia levels in the tank since goldfish (and all domesticated carp for that matter, including koi) release so much ammonia. Let me know, its interesting to talk to another Acrochordid fan and keeper.
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1.0 Javan Wart Snake
1.1 Emerald Tree Boa
1.1 Malaysian Blood Python
1.2 Sumatran Blood Pythons
1.2 Pastel Red Tail Boas
2.5 Ball Python
1.0 Albino Retic
0.1 Tiger Retic
1.0 Indonesian Tree boa
1.0 Macklotts Python
1.1 Jungle Carpet Python
1.2 Kenyan Sand Boa
0.0.1 Queen Snake
0.0.1 Florida Banded Water Snake
0.0.1 Costa Rican Parrot Snake
0.0.2 Desert Night Snake
0.1 Mangrove Snake
1.0 Western Hognose Snake
1.2 Western Shovel Nose snake
1.0 Mendota King Snake
0.0.1 Mohave Side Winder
0.1 Neon Cape Gopher
1.0 Newport Phase King
1.0 Blood Red Corn
1.0 Oketee Corn
0.1 Creamsicle corn
0.1 Anery Corn
0.1 Reverse Oketee
0.1 Pewter Corn
0.1 Secret F1 Corn
0.1 Apricot Pueblan Milk
2.4 Albino Natida King
1.2 Albino Conjuncta King
1.1 Desert Banded Gecko
1.1 Central American Banded Gecko
1.1 Tibetan Frog Eye Gecko
1.1 Dwarf Dune Gecko

I have fed him shiners and a 5"-6" Tinfoil barb. He loves to eat. I have a 10 gal. holding tank that I call "Death Row" that I keep the comets in until I remove some to feed the snake. They are 4"-5" fish averaging 20.6 each (average based on 2 dozen). I add the comets to the arafura's tank and he'll usually eat 6 in a matter of hours---even during the day with the lights on! I use live plants, so they'll happily deal with any ammonia. And I also keep live plants in the comet holding tank.

That's a pic, taken the same day, of him prowling around during the day hunting comets.

What species of Acrochordidae lives in FL? As for the tea tree oil, sure it will help control bacterial and fungal growth (bacterial is the main culprit). The one thing you may not know is that is also impacts the growth of "good" bacteria that keep the water free of harmful toxins, the #1 killer of aquatic snakes in captivity, high ammonia. High ammonia leaves to snake open to stress, leading to open sores and infection. Test the ammonia after treatment, it will be sky high. This will just result in constent infections, and ultimately death. Short soaks may be a better idea then adding it directly to the tank. I've found a low pH (6.4) does the same thing, but it's better. It's inhibits bad bacteria/fungal growth, while allowing the good stuff to remain in healthy numbers.

>>I discovered a small group of acrochordidae live in Florida all seen as fungus free. Other than temp and relative water features this area of Florida has one thing in common with Indonesia. Melanocus, other wise known as Australian Tea Tree, grows in Indonesia, Australia, and introduced years ago to Florida.
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Justyn Miller
Intense Herpetoculture
www.IntenseHerp.com (Proudly hosted by Fauna Net)

Melafix is designed for aquariums and ponds, so its harmless to the beneficial bacterial. But other forms and/or higher percentages may have the effect that you're talking about.......

You sure about that? Melafix does cause serious problems w/ beneficial bacteria, causing massive bacterial die offs. It has been looked into by several leading filtration authorities, and is not reccomended by any of them.

>>Melafix is designed for aquariums and ponds, so its harmless to the beneficial bacterial. But other forms and/or higher percentages may have the effect that you're talking about.......
-----
Justyn Miller
Intense Herpetoculture
www.IntenseHerp.com (Proudly hosted by Fauna Net)

>>You sure about that? Melafix does cause serious problems w/ beneficial bacteria, causing massive bacterial die offs. It has been looked into by several leading filtration authorities, and is not reccomended by any of them.

Actually---No, I'm not sure about that. I was going by what little I've read on the stuff--and that may all have been manufacturer's propaganda.

Thanx for the heads up......I will dig a little deeper.

considering the seriousness of this type of infection, I would still use it, but also follow up with more frequent water changes to control amonia levels and reseeding of nitrosoma bacteria.

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

Wow, all those sources, yet I know for a fact it does cause massive ammonia spikes. Let me explain:

Years ago I started using Mela-fix to treat abrasion caused infections on koi & goldlfish in ponds. Shortly after each use I've noticed decreased water quality, and thus started a cycle of water changes.

So a few months ago I started reading publications concerning bubble-bead filtration for use in koi ponds. Mind you, these publications were complied accounts of tried and true information. Each one said the same thing, if you use Mela-fix (or similar products) you will cause die-off and you'll notice ammonia spikes. Sure enough I started testing after each application of Mela-fix and they were right. Werid, huh? Like I said before, soaks may be a better idea.

>>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
-----
Justyn Miller
Intense Herpetoculture
www.IntenseHerp.com (Proudly hosted by Fauna Net)

My point is the infection is deadly so its worth using, the effects on the nitrosoma bacteria can be managed if you are expecting them. If baths alone work, that would definetly be preferable, but not knowing, I won't take the chance, I'd rather treat the tank, do the water changes add new bacteria, and monitor the amonia levels.

Take it from a former fish junky: It can change ammonia levels as all naturual organic material will. I use Zeolite in one filter and carbon in the other to ensure ammonia levels are right. Any domestic carp Ie. comets, koi, etc will also cause ammonia spikes. The spikes from these fish are much more severe than anything the mela fix could cause. Seriously the bigger ammonia threat is what you use for feed. Of course proper benificial bacteria and zeolite medium will help that tremendously, plus proper water changes. Undergravel filters are the wrong way to go in ammonia control. The benificial bacteria settles best in your gravel, and many undergravel filters move the water in the gravel to much so the benificial bacteria is constantly bieng circulated and some is removed. Ammonia is tricky, and I don't think melafix is the biggest ammonia issue.
-----
1.0 Javan Wart Snake
1.1 Emerald Tree Boa
1.1 Malaysian Blood Python
1.2 Sumatran Blood Pythons
1.2 Pastel Red Tail Boas
2.5 Ball Python
1.0 Albino Retic
0.1 Tiger Retic
1.0 Indonesian Tree boa
1.0 Macklotts Python
1.1 Jungle Carpet Python
1.2 Kenyan Sand Boa
0.0.1 Queen Snake
0.0.1 Florida Banded Water Snake
0.0.1 Costa Rican Parrot Snake
0.0.2 Desert Night Snake
0.1 Mangrove Snake
1.0 Western Hognose Snake
1.2 Western Shovel Nose snake
1.0 Mendota King Snake
0.0.1 Mohave Side Winder
0.1 Neon Cape Gopher
1.0 Newport Phase King
1.0 Blood Red Corn
1.0 Oketee Corn
0.1 Creamsicle corn
0.1 Anery Corn
0.1 Reverse Oketee
0.1 Pewter Corn
0.1 Secret F1 Corn
0.1 Apricot Pueblan Milk
2.4 Albino Natida King
1.2 Albino Conjuncta King
1.1 Desert Banded Gecko
1.1 Central American Banded Gecko
1.1 Tibetan Frog Eye Gecko
1.1 Dwarf Dune Gecko

"It can change ammonia levels as all naturual organic material will."

---I agree, and that is basically where my thought process has been headed on this....That the Melafix is where the Ammonia "Spikes" are coming from....Not beneficial bacteria die-off. If the beneficial bacteria were dying-off to any significant degree...it would cause more than a "Spike". But along the thought pattern that the beneficial bacteria are not significantly harmed....they are there to deal with the "new" ammonia and it only shows as a "Spike". Otherwise, it wouldn't be a "Spike"....rather a Problem.

"The benificial bacteria settles best in your gravel, and many undergravel filters move the water in the gravel to much so the benificial bacteria is constantly bieng circulated and some is removed."

---I am familiar with the arguements for and against undergravel filters. I still use them, I alway have and I probably always will. That said, in the pic below You can see an AquaClear 802 powerhead. Its set in reverse-flow (175gph) with a sponge prefilter. The Rena Filstar xp3 Canister, logs, rocks, etc will all hold more than enough beneficial bacteria to make up for any loss in the gravel bacterial bed and the live plants (lots of them) will be more than happy to do their part with the ammonia.
A Side Note: I have no idea at this point whether these snakes defecate in their hide or exit the hide for that purpose. I thought long and hard about the heat, vibrations, etc of adding an UGF....I decided to give it a shot. Below is a pic of the 2 stacked small kitty litter pans that I use for this snakes hide. He uses it faithfully and it is his secure homebase. Since it is bottomless....the UGF creates a circulation within the hide box that probably would not otherwise occur. The copious amount of ammonia inside that small hidebox would be a major concern if not for the circulation created by the UGF and powerheads. The UGF and powerheads have been in there for a couple of months now and the snake has absolutely no issues with it. He has settled in beautifully and I could not be happier
PS. You can barely see the fins of a comet...top almost center.

It only took 8 days, but here is their response:

"Thank you very much for contacting us regarding our products. All of your comments and questions are valuable. We use your feedback to create the most effective line of aquarium and pond products available.

Melafix will not harm the biological filtration it will only target the bacteria that are causing problems with your fish.

If you have any other questions or wish to discuss this further, please email back or give us a call at 1-800-847-0659.

To receive email notification about our new product releases, hot fishkeeping tips and our latest reference center updates, please click here

Best Regards,
Nathan Fekula
Technical Service and Research
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Mars Fishcare Group "

For whatever its worth.............

Well, it only took 13 days this time...

In response to their first response I asked:

"There are many documented cases of ammonia "spikes" occurring with the use of MelaFix. Can you explain what is the root or cause of these ammonia spikes?"

Below is the reply I received:

"Thank you very much for contacting us regarding our products. All of your comments and questions are valuable. We use your feedback to create the most effective line of aquarium and pond products available.

Years of research have proven that use of melafix does not produce ammonia spikes. Ammonia spikes must be occurring from another source.

If you have any other questions or wish to discuss this further, please email back or give us a call at 1-800-847-0659.

To receive email notification about our new product releases, hot fishkeeping tips and our latest reference center updates, please click here

Best Regards,
Nathan Fekula
Technical Service and Research
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Mars Fishcare Group"

Again, For Whatever Its Worth.....

Melafix is so safe for ben-bacteria that it can be used in a salt water sump. Anyone who has had salt water tanks knows what I am talking about and how safe it would have to be.
-----
1.0 Javan Wart Snake
1.1 Emerald Tree Boa
1.1 Malaysian Blood Python
1.2 Sumatran Blood Pythons
1.2 Pastel Red Tail Boas
2.5 Ball Python
1.0 Albino Retic
0.1 Tiger Retic
1.0 Indonesian Tree boa
1.0 Macklotts Python
1.1 Jungle Carpet Python
1.2 Kenyan Sand Boa
0.0.1 Queen Snake
0.0.1 Florida Banded Water Snake
0.0.1 Costa Rican Parrot Snake
0.0.2 Desert Night Snake
0.1 Mangrove Snake
1.0 Western Hognose Snake
1.2 Western Shovel Nose snake
1.0 Mendota King Snake
0.0.1 Mohave Side Winder
0.1 Neon Cape Gopher
1.0 Newport Phase King
1.0 Blood Red Corn
1.0 Oketee Corn
0.1 Creamsicle corn
0.1 Anery Corn
0.1 Reverse Oketee
0.1 Pewter Corn
0.1 Secret F1 Corn
0.1 Apricot Pueblan Milk
2.4 Albino Natida King
1.2 Albino Conjuncta King
1.1 Desert Banded Gecko
1.1 Central American Banded Gecko
1.1 Tibetan Frog Eye Gecko
1.1 Dwarf Dune Gecko

Read Alan Tennants Snakes of Florida, the reference I recieved from acrochordidae in florida is from the preface of that book.
-----
1.0 Javan Wart Snake
1.1 Emerald Tree Boa
1.1 Malaysian Blood Python
1.2 Sumatran Blood Pythons
1.2 Pastel Red Tail Boas
2.5 Ball Python
1.0 Albino Retic
0.1 Tiger Retic
1.0 Indonesian Tree boa
1.0 Macklotts Python
1.1 Jungle Carpet Python
1.2 Kenyan Sand Boa
0.0.1 Queen Snake
0.0.1 Florida Banded Water Snake
0.0.1 Costa Rican Parrot Snake
0.0.2 Desert Night Snake
0.1 Mangrove Snake
1.0 Western Hognose Snake
1.2 Western Shovel Nose snake
1.0 Mendota King Snake
0.0.1 Mohave Side Winder
0.1 Neon Cape Gopher
1.0 Newport Phase King
1.0 Blood Red Corn
1.0 Oketee Corn
0.1 Creamsicle corn
0.1 Anery Corn
0.1 Reverse Oketee
0.1 Pewter Corn
0.1 Secret F1 Corn
0.1 Apricot Pueblan Milk
2.4 Albino Natida King
1.2 Albino Conjuncta King
1.1 Desert Banded Gecko
1.1 Central American Banded Gecko
1.1 Tibetan Frog Eye Gecko
1.1 Dwarf Dune Gecko

do you rubb the snake with the tea tree oil or do you drop it in the water.If you drop it in the water, how many drops do you put in the water? Please excuse my english its not my first language
I have a baby A.javanicus she seems to be fungus free, but if she will be infected some time it would be helpfull to know how it looks like.Would you please post a pic.
Thanks.

Greetings from Germany.

SIEGI

www.albinoboas.com
Home of the squaretails

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www.albinoboas.com

Greetings from Germany

SIEGI
Home of the squaretails

-----
www.albinoboas.com

Like it is used für fungus infected amphibians ?

SIEGI

Home of the squaretails

-----
www.albinoboas.com