All about Methyl Blue (Methylene Blue)

Methyl blue is a thiazine dye that is often used as a bactericide and functional in aquariums. In some places the use of this material has become increasingly unpopular because it is known to have a detrimental effect on biological filtration and the ability of the color to adhere to skin, clothing, aquarium decorations and other equipment including aquarium glue. Allegedly even this material can be bad for plants.

Methyl blue is known to be effective for the treatment of ichthyopthirius (white spot) and fungus. In addition, it is also often used to prevent fungal attacks on fish eggs. Methyl blue is usually available as a finished solution in aquarium stores, in concentrations of 1 - 2 percent. It is also available in powder form.

Dosage and Administration

For bacterial, fungal and protozoal infections, the recommended dose is 2 ml of a solution with a concentration of 1 percent per 10 liters of aquarium water. The treatment was carried out through long-term immersion. This should be done in a separate aquarium, or in a quarantined aquarium to avoid adverse effects on the biological filtration system and the adhering of color to the aquarium decorations.

As a prophylactic to prevent fungal attacks on eggs, the recommended dose is 2 mg/liter. An easier way is to add methyl blue to the spawning bath drop by drop. On each drop, let the methyl blue solutionspread evenly.

The drip is stopped when the aquarium water has turned bluish or clear blue (translucent). This means that the contents in the aquarium can still be seen clearly. This treatment is enough to be done once and then left until the color degrades naturally.

Thus, when the eggs hatch later and the fry eat for the first time, it is hoped that they will not be affected by the presence of the methyl blue. After the eggs hatch, a daily 5% water change can be made to help reduce the methyl blue content in the water, and also to help reduce the  accumulation of organic matter and ammonium that may have formed in the spawning tank. In fish species that have egg incubation time of more than 4 days, methyl blue solution can be given every two or three days.

 

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