Discover the top 5 aquarium medications every fishkeeper should own—Melafix, Pimafix, Aquarium Salt, Ich Cure, and Kanaplex. Reviews, pros/cons, and buying guide inside.
If you’ve kept fish long enough, you know how fast things can go wrong. One day your tank is peaceful, the next a fish has fin rot, white spots, or cotton-like fungus.
Most beginners panic and rush to the pet store. I’ve been there too, standing in front of a wall of bottles wondering what actually works. Over time, I built a fish medicine cabinet that covers almost every situation.
Quick answer: The top 5 aquarium medications every fishkeeper should have are Melafix, Pimafix, Aquarium Salt, Ich Cure, and Kanaplex.
1. API Melafix – Best Natural Antibacterial
Melafix is my go-to for mild bacterial infections and fin damage. Made from tea tree oil, it’s gentle enough for sensitive fish and safe for plants and inverts.
I’ve used it on angelfish, guppies, and even goldfish with frayed fins. Within a week, their fins looked noticeably better.
✅ Pros:
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Natural and safe for most aquariums
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Great for fin rot, wounds, and stress recovery
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Won’t harm plants or shrimp
❌ Cons:
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Not strong enough for severe infections
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Has a distinct herbal smell some people dislike
👉 Grab a bottle of API Melafix here
Quick answer: Melafix is a safe, natural antibacterial treatment that helps heal mild wounds and infections.
2. API Pimafix – Best Natural Antifungal
If you see white cotton-like fuzz on a fish or eggs, Pimafix is your best friend. It’s antifungal, made from West Indian bay tree oil, and pairs perfectly with Melafix.
I’ve saved guppies and mollies from fungus outbreaks by combining the two.
✅ Pros:
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Excellent for fungus and egg protection
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Safe for most community tanks
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Works well alongside Melafix
❌ Cons:
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Can take a week or more for results
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Not effective on internal infections
👉 Grab a bottle of API Pimafix here
Quick answer: Pimafix fights fungal infections naturally and is safe to use with Melafix for double protection.
3. Aquarium Salt – Best All-Around Remedy
Aquarium salt is the Swiss Army knife of fish medicine. It helps wounds heal, reduces stress, and can even kill mild parasites.
I always keep a box handy. A salt bath once saved a scraped goldfish in just two days.
✅ Pros:
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Inexpensive and widely available
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Helps with stress, gill function, and healing
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Works against some parasites
❌ Cons:
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Not safe for scaleless fish (loaches, Corydoras)
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Overuse can harm plants
Quick answer: Aquarium salt is a versatile, budget-friendly treatment for wounds, stress, and mild parasites.
4. Ich Treatment – Best for Parasite Outbreaks
Ich (white spot disease) is one of the most common aquarium problems. You’ll want an ich cure ready before you see spots spreading.
I’ve had great success with Seachem ParaGuard and API Super Ick Cure.
✅ Pros:
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Fast-acting against ich parasites
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Works in both freshwater and marine tanks (check label)
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Prevents outbreaks from wiping out a tank
❌ Cons:
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Can stain decorations or silicone
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Must be dosed carefully for sensitive species
Quick answer: An ich treatment is essential for stopping the most common aquarium parasite before it kills your fish.
5. Seachem Kanaplex – Best Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic
When natural remedies don’t cut it, you need a serious antibiotic. Kanaplex is my choice because it works for internal and external bacterial infections.
It once saved my discus from columnaris when Melafix failed.
✅ Pros:
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Effective against severe bacterial infections
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Works internally and externally
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Can be combined with food for internal treatment
❌ Cons:
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Can wipe out beneficial bacteria in your filter
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More expensive than natural treatments
👉 Buy Seachem Kanaplex here
Quick answer: Kanaplex is a powerful antibiotic that treats advanced bacterial infections when natural options aren’t enough.
Quick Comparison Table
| Medication | Best For | Strength | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melafix | Mild bacterial infections | Gentle | Very safe |
| Pimafix | Fungal infections | Gentle | Very safe |
| Aquarium Salt | Stress & wounds | Medium | Safe if dosed right |
| Ich Treatment | Ich parasites | Strong | Safe if dosed properly |
| Kanaplex | Severe bacterial disease | Very strong | Risky for biofilter |
FAQs
Can I use Melafix and Pimafix together?
Yes, they’re designed to work together and cover both bacteria and fungus.
Do I need all five medications?
Not always—but having them means you’re prepared for almost any emergency.
What’s the safest one for beginners?
Aquarium salt is the easiest, while Melafix is a great natural option.
Final Thoughts – Build Your Fish Medicine Cabinet
If you only buy one or two meds, you’ll always wish you had more when emergencies hit. Trust me—I’ve lost fish because I wasn’t prepared.
That’s why I recommend every fishkeeper keep these 5 on hand:
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Melafix – everyday antibacterial
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Pimafix – fungal protection
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Aquarium Salt – the universal helper
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Ich Treatment – parasite defense
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Kanaplex (or similar) – the emergency antibiotic
👉 Pro tip: Buy them online ahead of time so you’re not running to the store in a panic.