The Puffer Forum

Hey Guys

What's the diference between melifix marine and melifix freshwater?

I'd like to just get one big bottle that I could treat both my FW and SW with and so wanted to know what the difference was between them

I've noticed what looks like a fairly big single white spot on my Frogfishes head so thought I'd get some melifix to cure it.

One last Q, do I have to turn my protein skimmer off when treating the SW tank with melifix?

I did buy the one that said FW and SW, it made my skimmer go nuts and bubble over. So I don't use it there anymore. Other than that, I don't know any differences...someone else probably will.

The only thing I know about them is that regular melafix will make the protein skimmer go nuts, marine melafix won't.

That would be a big difference for me!

Melafix is made with what's known as a "volatile oil" - most plant essential oils are volatile oils. A volatile oil is much better suited to mixing with water, and actually evaporates into the air at an appreciable rate, both big contrasts with familiar oils. However, when mixed with water, it still has a tendency to gather at air/water boarders, making the surface tension much stronger. This is why it overactivates protein skimmers. My guess would be that the salt water version simply has an additional additive or process which weakens the surface tension normally created. Most likely it's safe for fresh water use as well(depending on what they use, PH might come into play, but that could easily be tested for), but is probably a more expensive product.

I'm thinking of getting the Melifix marine and using it on my FW if I need to in the future

PP have you ever seen a single white spot on your frogfish?

I would call the manufacturer and ask if the marine is safe to use in freshwater or not.

No spots at all on my froggie but she's mostly white.