Re: [RML] Methylene Blue

Wright Huntley (huntley1 at home.com)
Thu, 29 Apr 1999 14:49:13 -0700

Methylene blue has been shown to have no particular effect on egg
fungus. It works by killing bacteria. That *can* keep the fungus from
ever appearing.

A weak solution of methylene blue, best when combined equally with
acriflavin, can cut the bacteria count way down. Fertilized eggs, in my
experience, don't ever fungus unless first attacked or damaged by
predators or bacteria nearly thick enough to deplete oxygen.

Excessive or too long use of the analine dyes can make the egg chorion
too tough, and the fish can't hatch properly. My mix is a very pale
green. I rarely use the dyes, but when I do, it is for only one day,
with successive 50% or more daily (or twice-daily) dilutions to take the
color back down quickly.

Java moss and peat act as antibacterials, too, I find. The peat does it
with natural dyes (tannins?), while the Java moss apparently carries
along a population of bacteria eaters, like rotifers, paramecia, etc.
Either one is usually better, IMHO, than either methylene blue or
acriflavin or both, for they don't seem to create that tough-egg-casing
problem. YMMV.

Wright

-- 
Wright Huntley, Fremont CA, USA, 510 494-8679  huntleyone at home dot
com


                      Stop passing new laws!
       Repeal some dysfunctional ones. It will do far more good.* 
             http://www.self-gov.org/libertarianism.html
________________________________________________
*Substance-abuse laws and other victimless-crime laws for example.