How We Treat Sick Fish with the Quarantine ‘Med Trio’ (Maracyn, ParaCleanse & FIXICK)

When new fish arrive—especially in large batches—stress, transport, and unfamiliar water conditions can quickly trigger illnesses. Even if they look healthy, many fish carry internal or external parasites, bacterial infections, or protozoa that aren't immediately visible.

That’s why preventative quarantine treatment is essential.

At Glass Grown Aquatics, we use the trusted ‘Med Trio’: Maracyn (antibiotic), ParaCleanse (dewormer), and Ich-x (antifungal/antiparasitic). This broad-spectrum combo helps ensure new fish are healthy, not contagious, and ready to thrive in your display tank.

Here’s a full breakdown of how each med works—and exactly how we use them.

Step 1: Prepare Your Quarantine Tank

Before dosing, set up a separate quarantine tank with good aeration and temperature between 78–82°F (25.5–28°C). Remove any chemical filtration like carbon or Purigen and turn off UV sterilizers.

Use a sponge filter or air stone to keep oxygen levels high. Have a heater, thermometer, and test kits ready to monitor water parameters.

Ich-x – Targeting External Parasites

Ich-x is a gentler alternative to harsh chemical treatments for external parasites like Ich, Chilodonella, and Trichodina. It uses Gentian Violet, which may turn the water slightly purple (remove décor if staining is a concern), but it’s safe for fish and invertebrates.

How to Use:

• Raise the temp to 82–85°F (28–29°C) to speed up the parasite lifecycle.

• Day 1: Add 1 tsp (5 mL) per 10 gallons of water.

• Day 2: Add 1 tsp per 10 gallons again.

• Day 3: Do a 25–30% water change.

• Day 4 & 5: Repeat the same dosage (1 tsp per 10 gallons).

• Day 6: Do another 25–30% water change. Chemical filtration can resume.

If symptoms persist, repeat the cycle after a few days with water changes in between.

Tip: Always keep an eye on fish behavior. If they’re flashing (rubbing), hiding, or showing spots or film, Ich-x is likely needed.

Fritz Maracyn – Fighting Bacterial Infections

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Maracyn, powered by Erythromycin, treats gram-positive bacterial infections like fin rot, popeye, body fungus (columnaris), and gill disease. These can show as swelling, cloudy eyes, or ragged fins. We dose it in tandem with the other meds on Day 1.

How to Use:

• Each packet treats 10 gallons of water.

• Days 1 to 5: Add 1 packet per 10 gallons once daily.

• Do not skip days, even if the fish looks better before Day 5.

Tip: Maracyn is safe for snails and shrimp, so you can use it in mixed quarantine tanks with inverts present.

Fritz ParaCleanse – Eliminating Internal Parasites

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Internal parasites often go unnoticed until fish show symptoms like weight loss, stringy white poop, bloating, or hollow belly. ParaCleanse contains metronidazole and praziquantel, which effectively treat internal tapeworms and gill/skin flukes.

How to Use:

• Day 1: Add 1 packet per 10 gallons.

• Day 3: Add 1 more packet per 10 gallons.

• Day 5: Perform a 25% water change.

Important Tips:

• Remove chemical filtration and increase aeration throughout treatment.

• Monitor ammonia and nitrite daily.

• Continue feeding lightly, but remove uneaten food.

Even if the fish appear well, always finish the full 5-day course to ensure hidden parasites are eliminated.

Step-by-Step Summary: How to Use the Med Trio

1. Set up a clean quarantine tank. Maintain 78–82°F with strong aeration.

2. Remove chemical filtration (carbon, Purigen) and turn off UV sterilizers.

3. Day 1: Dose all 3 meds:

   • 1 tsp Ich-x per 10 gallons

   • 1 packet Maracyn per 10 gallons

   • 1 packet ParaCleanse per 10 gallons

4. Day 2: Dose Ich-x again (1 tsp per 10 gallons).

5. Day 3: Perform 25–30% water change and re-dose ParaCleanse.

6. Day 4–5: Dose Ich-x(1 tsp/day) and Maracyn daily.

7. Day 6: Final water change (25–30%). You can now resume chemical filtration.

8. Monitor daily. If symptoms persist, repeat another cycle with a few days rest.

Why Quarantine Is Always Worth It

Fish might look fine on arrival—but that doesn’t mean they’re in the clear. Parasites, bacteria, and stress-related illnesses often surface days after introduction.

By using the Med Trio preventatively, you protect your display tank from major outbreaks and ensure your fish are strong, healthy, and long-lived.

It might take a few extra days, but it’s absolutely worth it for the long-term health of your aquatic ecosystem.