Medicine Cabinet?

[Woodstock]

I am preparing an online order for medicines that may be needed for my hospital/QT. Most of this I will hopefully never need but just incase I want to have it on-hand.

• Prazipro (liquid praziquantel)
• Cupramine - Seachem
• Instant Ocean Copper test kit plus 2 refills (40 tests)
• maracyn two
• Formalin (37%)
• Net (only for QT)
• Siphon (only for QT)
• Large specimen container (only for QT)

I already have:

• test kits for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, ph, and alkalinity
• buffer (sodium carbonate)
• refractometer - calibrated
• lots of salt water pre-made
• metronidazole
• Prime (ammonia neutrilizer)

Anything else I should have?

[bluespotjawfish]

Looks like a good list. I'd also have some metronidozole and focus (to bind it to the food). The metronidozole worked for me when the Prazipro didn't.

I personally would not use Amquel (I have had problems with this product twice and will never use it again). I now use Prime. If you do, then you won't need the Stresscoat (which was the primary source of my phosphate problem) because Prime also helps with the slimecoat.

Carbon, carbon, carbon...
Backup air filter (battery operated)

[Woodstock]

I already have lots of metronidazole on hand. Thanks Lorraine!

I will edit my list.

Prime ehh... I have that stinky stuff too

[mempho reefer]

I second the Prime. It's much better than Amquel which is ok for a freshwater or FO tank. Prime is formulated for SW and reef tanks.

[bluespotjawfish]

Prime ehh... I have that stinky stuff too

Yip, very stinky stuff, no need to take a wiff of it though !

[sasquatch]

magnifying glass, a good 30ml syringe from your vet,maybe a screen for the qt, a dash of courage lol.

[prow]

i would advise not to stock up on medications. they do have a expiration dates. even with no expiration date meds lose there potency. some big things to keep in mind liquid antibiotics should/need to be refrigerated but not froozen because they become impotent at too low of temperatures. need to check with manufacture to see what temp range should be for that med, meds like amoxicillin need to be keep at constant temp. any dry meds make sure you take out any cotton or anything else the can absorb moisture. also keep out of light. many medication are only stable for short period of time, check to see how stable the medication before stocking up on it.

[DrHank]

I agree on loss of potency. Much better to have a source that you can get them from quickly than to have a supply on hand. A good veterinarian and a friendly pharmacist are good friends to have. They can really help in a pinch.

[leebca]

Most of the above is good advice. My advice is given here: http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...tml#post315880

[prow]

i dont know if i should of posted this, i really dont want to step on anyone toes. but because i feel it is important in dealing with medication treatments, not only with fish but home meds for the family too.

good stuff leebca. on the list of minimum meds you list Methylene Blue (2.0 to 2.3% solution) which has a shelf life of 120days if stored at 5 degrees Celsius = 41 degree Fahrenheit and in its original pkg. (unopen) Praziquantel for dogs shelf life is 2 years when stored below 30°C(86F) same with Cupramine but keep in mind that shelf life is based on the if it remains in its original pkg(unopen).
the Formalin (37% formaldehyde) should have its own storage area and 0 moisture.
Arm & Hammer should be dry away from heat and has a expiration date, moisture will find it.

i am not exactly sure on the Beta Glucan but most caps and vitamines are only good for 6 months before they start to deteriorate, manufactures compensate for this by adding more than what the labels says(ex. label shows 1,000mg of Vitamin C, if 20% of the Vit C is gone after 18 months, then the actual amount of Vit C put into the formula is enough so that 80% of it would still be 1,000 mg after 18 months.) if the label indicates the actual content at time of mixture than you can bet your getting a lot less if used a year later.

lynn, i am, not tring to bash your post in anyway. please please dont take it wrong. there is lots of good info there. i only say this because many may stock up with and treat after the med is no longer as effective which can and does give rise to resistant strains of whatever. if anyone plans on stocking up make sure you know exactly how and why your storing it. take into account temp fluctuations and if it the pkg has been open or not, light, moisture ect...i live next to the beach and have to worry about moisture in the garage and i do get salt spray from the ocean at times so i must think about that if i plan on keeping anything there. most not but rain can be just as hard to deal with. just food for thought.

[DrHank]

Party pooper!

[Woodstock]

I will keep a close eye on the expiration dates.

[Frankie]

Tylenol! I get a real headache when my fish get sick.....

[CATALYST]

A spare sponge or hunk of expendable live rock from your sump or fuge for an emergency qt.
Maybe some garlic, flatworm exit and coral disinfectant.
I like having the methylene blue around too.

[prow]

Originally Posted by DrHank

Party pooper!

Originally Posted by Woodstock

I will keep a close eye on the expiration dates.

i know you will, i know lynn and many that have posted here will. i fiq if i stressed it enough, others reading this might look into the storage of whatever before they just toss it in the same cabinet with all their sups.

its kinda like how many people put all there meds in the bathroom cabinet and then when they have a headache and use the med complain it did not help and say this, whatever med, doesnt work for me.