6/5/23, 1:50 PM Tetracycline Use in Freshwater Aquariums

The tetracycline antimicrobials, the first of which, Chlortetracycline,

was discovered in 1945, are broad-spectrum antibiotics derived from
the soil bacterium Streptomyces. There are four naturally occurring
tetracyclines as well as a half dozen semi-synthetic versions. The use
of tetracyclines for treating bacterial infections has been limited in
recent years because of the emergence of resistant organisms.
Research to find tetracycline analogues that circumvented bacterial
resistance has led to the development of the glycylcyclines, a new
subgroup of tetracyclines. These new antimicrobials are being used to
treat drug-resistant infections that do not respond to standard
tetracyclines.

Naturally occurring: chlortetracycline, demeclocyline,

oxytetracyline, tetracycline

Semi-synthetic: doxycycline, lymecycline, meclocycline,

methacycline, minocycline, rolitetracycline

Use in Aquariums
In ornamental fish, Tetracycline is used to treat a variety of external
and internal bacterial infections, including these disorders:

Hemorrhagic Septicemia: Bacterial infection of the

bloodstream. Characterized by bloody streaks on the body and
fins

Cottonmouth disease: Bacterial infection that affects the mouth

with fungus-like growth and erosion of the mouthparts

Fin Rot: Fins and tail become ragged and frayed, in some cases
almost completely eroding

Gill Disease: Fish breathe heavily and gills appear bright red

Open Body Sores: Bacterial infection causing open red sores on

the body

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6/5/23, 1:50 PM Tetracycline Use in Freshwater Aquariums

Body Slime: Slimy patches appear on the body, fish flashes

against objects and breath rapidly

Pop-eye: Eyes are hazy and may protrude from head

Cyanobacteria: Also used to treat cyanobacteria (blue-green

algae)
Generally, tetracycline is more effective against aerobic bacteria,
particularly gram-positive organisms. In infections caused by gram-
negative bacteria, minocycline is more effective than tetracycline.
Tetracycline becomes more potent as it ages, so expiration dates
should be carefully adhered to.

Tetracycline will kill nitrifying bacteria, so avoid using it along with

other antibiotics to reduce the impact these drugs have on the
biologicals. Monitor water chemistry closely for several weeks
following treatment with this antibiotic, testing for ammonia and
nitrite. Avoid the use of this drug if fish are already suffering
from ammonia or nitrite poisoning, or diseases that have already
rendered the fish significantly anemic.

High general hardness (GH) will reduce the effectiveness of this drug.
Tetracycline it is not effective at all when the water pH is higher than
7.5. Remove any carbon filter media when using this drug, as it will
remove the Tetracycline from the water. Tetracyclines can be safely
used together with Methylene Blue.

Minocycline is a broader spectrum antibiotic than the other

tetracyclines, particularly in treating infections caused by gram-
negative bacteria. Of the tetracycline family, it is most effective
against septicemia.

Popular Products and Usage Instructions

API T.C. Tetracycline
For best results, remove activated carbon or filter cartridge from filter
and continue aeration. For each 10 gallons of water, empty one packet
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6/5/23, 1:50 PM Tetracycline Use in Freshwater Aquariums

directly into aquarium. Repeat dose after 24 hours. Wait another 24

hours and then change 25 percent of the aquarium water. Repeat this
treatment for a second time, for a total of 4 doses. Then make a final
25 percent water change and add fresh activated carbon or replace
filter cartridge. Treatment may be repeated if necessary. One package
treats up to 100 gallons. Four doses required for full course of
treatment.

Fish Cycline
Add one packet (250 mg) for each 15 gallons of water to be treated.
Repeat in 24 hours. A partial water change is suggested between
treatments. While the duration of treatment depends on type and
severity of infection, extended medication baths should continue for a
minimum of 5 days and for not more than 10 days. Discontinue
treatment if no improvement is noted within 5 days. To remove
harmless yellow color, change 20% of water and use a charcoal filter
until water is clear.

Maracyn–Two (Minocycline)
First day, add 2 packets per 10 gallons of water. On the second
through fifth day, add 1 packet per 10 gallons of water. Repeat this 5-
day treatment only once if needed

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