posted 01-12-2004 09:01 AM         

Day 1 - First do a 20-25% water change, cleaning the gravel as you do the change. This will also help remove some of the finrot medication. We don't want to overmedicate. Use a PH buffer (I prefer Novaqua), enough to treat the whole tank. Treat the tank with Tetracycline at the recommended dosage on the package for your tank.
Day 2 - Do a 20-25% water change. If you got the gravel pretty clean on day 1 don't worry about getting the gravel clean. The main purpose for water changes the next few days is to keep the meds from building up. Use just enough PH buffer for the water that you are replacing. Treat with Tetracycline at the recommended dosage.
Day 3 - Repeat ALL procedures done on day 2.
Day 4 - Repeat ALL procedures done on day 2.
Day 5 - Repeat All procedures done on day 2.
Day 6 - Do NOT treat with Tetracycline. Change 50% of the water. Dose with PH buffer at the recommended dosage for a full tank.
Day 7 - Do NOT treat with Tetracycline. Change 20% of the water. Dose with PH buffer only enough for the water you are adding.
ADDITIONAL - I do NOT recommend increasing the water temperature with this medication. He will be under stress with difficulty processing oxygen. Increased temperature will decrease oxygen concentration. If at all possible try to increase airflow to the tank. Tetracycline is a very strong medication and becomes toxic when left in the tank. This is the reason for all of the water changes. Indications of it becoming toxic will be a foam on the top of the water. If you see a foam by day 3 or 4 you may want to do a 50% water change rather than the recommended 20 -25% water change.
Again, if you want to get a second opinion from your local pet shop I will definately not be insulted. Also you may want to print this out to show your local pet shop what was recommended.