Melafix is a commonly recommended “natural” fish medication for bacterial infections. But does Melafix work or is it based on anecdotal evidence? To me, I simply don’t believe in natural cures of any sort, because if they worked, there wouldn’t be hundreds of different antibiotics.
In this article, we’ll examine the evidence and science behind API Melafix.
This is opinionated and based on available science. This article is not meant to swede anyone to use or not to use Melafix, but to provide information for readers to form their conclusions. In general, I have a positive opinion about API as a company.
What Is Melafix?
Melafix is a product made by API that is meant to be a natural remedy for bacterial infections in fish. Made from Melaleuca, or tea tree extract, it’s often touted for its medical benefits, specifically having antibacterial properties. Melafix ingredients include 1% Melaleuca oil and the inactive ingredients are meant to help it mix with the water. To that point, if you know about any type of oil, they do not mix with water very well.
The science behind Melaleuca oil is fairly inconclusive, with no studies to show it’s an effective treatment for bacterial infections. Some studies have shown bacterial susceptibility to tea tree oil at concentrations of 1% to 2%, however, this was not tested against active infections, only the bacteria itself. Bactericidal properties are fairly common amongst many different substances and chemicals, but that doesn’t mean that it’s an effective treatment for an active bacterial infection in an organism.
So the only thing the science has said over the past several decades is that under certain circumstances, this chemical does show antibacterial properties went directly administered to bacteria. However, no studies exist showing that Melafix or tea tree oil itself can effectively be used to treat bacterial infections in fish. A 2015 study looked specifically at Melafix and found that it had no significant bactericidal or inhibitory effect on any of the bacteria tested.
Is Melafix Safe?
Though Melaleuca oil is toxic to humans and animals when ingested, the same study from above as well as a lot of anecdotal evidence from hobbyists, says that Melafix does not cause adverse effects on fish or the water parameters of the aquarium. So Melafix does appear to be safe when used correctly.
The Verdict On Melafix
Based on the scientific evidence regarding Melaleuca extract (tea tree oil) as well as Melafix specifically, no evidence says it’s an effective treatment for bacterial infection, or any disease, in fish. That does not mean it does not work, but until science supports this I cannot recommend using it.
The one thing that we can reasonably conclude is that when used appropriately, it will not harm your fish or your biofilter.
FAQs
Is Melaxfix safe for snails?
Melafix is safe for snails, shrimp, and other invertebrates.
Is Melaxfix safe for plants?
Melafix is safe for plants.
