Aquasonic Formalin/Malachite Solution 100mL – White Spot Treatment

Aquasonic Formalin/Malachite Solution 100mL is an aquarium fish medication formulated to help treat freshwater white spot disease (Ich), susceptible external parasites and certain fungal conditions. Combining formalin and malachite green, this treatment helps fishkeepers manage common external infections affecting the skin, fins and gills of ornamental fish.

White spot is one of the most common diseases affecting freshwater aquarium fish. It typically appears as small white spots resembling grains of salt on the body and fins. Fish may also scratch against decorations, clamp their fins or show signs of rapid breathing.

Aquasonic Formalin/Malachite Solution provides a targeted treatment option when an appropriate diagnosis has been made. The convenient 100mL bottle is suitable for smaller aquariums, quarantine tanks and treating affected freshwater fish.

Why Choose Aquasonic Formalin/Malachite Solution?

• White spot treatment: Helps control freshwater Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), a common external fish parasite.
• Targets susceptible external parasites: Formulated to act against certain protozoan parasites affecting fish skin and gills.
• Supports fungal treatment: May assist with certain external fungal infections where the medication is appropriate.
• Two active ingredients: Combines formalin and malachite green for external disease treatment.
• Copper-free formula: Does not rely on copper sulphate as its active medication.
• Convenient 100mL bottle: Treats approximately 400 litres of freshwater at the standard dose.
• Australian aquarium brand: Produced by Aquasonic for ornamental fish care.

What Conditions Can Aquasonic Formalin/Malachite Treat?

Freshwater White Spot (Ich)

White spot is caused by the parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Infected fish may develop small white spots, scratch against decorations, lose their appetite or experience breathing difficulties.

The parasite has several stages in its life cycle, and treatment is most effective against susceptible free-living stages. Following the complete treatment instructions is essential for controlling an infestation.

External Protozoan Parasites

Formalin and malachite green combinations are used against certain external protozoan parasites that can irritate fish skin and gills. Symptoms may include flashing, excessive mucus, clamped fins and rapid breathing.

Different parasites require different treatment approaches, so accurate identification remains important.

External Fungal Conditions

The medication may also assist in controlling susceptible external fungal infections. These can sometimes appear as white or grey cotton-like growths, particularly around damaged tissue.

Not every white patch is caused by fungus or white spot. Bacterial infections and other diseases can look similar, and choosing the correct treatment is important.

How Aquasonic Formalin/Malachite Works

Aquasonic Formalin/Malachite Solution combines two established ingredients used in ornamental fish medications.

• Formalin: A formaldehyde-based solution used to control susceptible external parasites and certain fungal organisms.
• Malachite green: A dye-based medication with activity against susceptible external parasites and fungal organisms.

These ingredients work together to help control organisms affecting fish skin and gills. Treatment must be performed carefully because the medication can also affect sensitive fish and aquarium inhabitants.

How to Use Aquasonic Formalin/Malachite Solution

Always read the current bottle label before treatment and calculate the actual aquarium water volume.

1. Confirm that symptoms are consistent with a condition suitable for formalin and malachite green treatment.
2. Check ammonia, nitrite, temperature and other relevant water parameters before medicating.
3. Remove activated carbon from the filtration system while keeping biological filtration operating.
4. Increase aeration and ensure strong water movement throughout treatment.
5. Measure the appropriate dose for the fish species being treated.
6. Add the medication according to the manufacturer's directions.
7. Monitor fish closely for distress, abnormal swimming or breathing difficulties.
8. Follow the treatment and repeat-dose schedule printed on the bottle.

Recommended Dosage

• Standard freshwater dosage: 5mL per 20 litres of aquarium water.
• Sensitive fish dosage: 5mL per 40 litres for tetras, juvenile fish and scaleless species such as loaches, where the manufacturer specifies the reduced dosage.
• Repeat treatment: Follow the treatment schedule printed on the supplied bottle.
• Standard bottle coverage: Approximately 400 litres per dose.
• Reduced-dose coverage: Approximately 800 litres per dose.

Coverage represents one application, not necessarily a complete treatment course. Multiple doses may be required depending on the product instructions and the condition being treated.

Important: Never overdose or combine with other aquarium medications unless compatibility has been confirmed. Formalin can increase oxygen demand and may cause serious problems in poorly aerated aquariums.

Important Treatment Precautions

• Freshwater fish: This listing is intended for freshwater ornamental fish treatment. Do not assume suitability for marine aquariums.
• Sensitive fish: Tetras, juvenile fish and scaleless species may require reduced dosing. Confirm species suitability before use.
• Shrimp and snails: Do not use in aquariums containing ornamental shrimp, snails or other sensitive invertebrates.
• Corals and reef aquariums: Not suitable for use in reef systems containing corals and other marine invertebrates.
• Aeration: Maintain strong aeration throughout the treatment period.
• Activated carbon: Remove carbon during treatment as it may absorb the medication.
• Oxygen levels: Avoid unnecessary temperature increases, particularly where dissolved oxygen may already be low.
• Staining: Malachite green may stain aquarium silicone, equipment, clothing and surrounding surfaces.
• Handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes and avoid inhaling vapours.
• Storage: Store below 30 degrees Celsius with the lid securely closed.
• Food fish: Not for use on fish intended for human consumption.

Health and safety: Formalin contains formaldehyde, a hazardous chemical. Wear suitable protective equipment, handle in a well-ventilated area and follow all label safety directions. If poisoning or significant exposure occurs, seek medical advice or contact the Australian Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

For sensitive species, heavily planted aquariums or tanks containing invertebrates, a separate hospital aquarium may be the most appropriate option after confirming medication compatibility.

Active Ingredients

• Formalin: Formaldehyde-based solution
• Malachite green: Antiparasitic and antifungal dye

Australian product information identifies formalin as a 37% formaldehyde preparation. This does not establish the final formaldehyde concentration in the bottled treatment. Refer to the product packaging for the complete formulation.

Product Specifications

• Brand: Aquasonic
• Product: Formalin/Malachite Solution
• Volume: 100mL
• Manufacturer code: PL120
• Product type: External antiparasitic and antifungal aquarium medication
• Primary treatment: Freshwater white spot
• Other applications: Certain external protozoan parasites and fungal conditions
• Active ingredients: Formalin and malachite green
• Standard dosage: 5mL per 20 litres
• Sensitive fish dosage: 5mL per 40 litres where directed
• Standard coverage: 400 litres per dose
• Water type: Freshwater ornamental fish treatment
• Storage: Below 30 degrees Celsius

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Aquasonic Formalin/Malachite Solution treat?

Aquasonic Formalin/Malachite Solution helps treat freshwater white spot disease, certain external protozoan parasites and susceptible fungal conditions. Accurate diagnosis is important before use.

How much Aquasonic Formalin/Malachite should I use?

The commonly published standard freshwater dosage is 5mL per 20 litres of aquarium water. A reduced dosage of 5mL per 40 litres is specified for some sensitive fish. Always follow the directions on the supplied bottle.

How much aquarium water does the 100mL bottle treat?

At the standard dosage, 100mL treats approximately 400 litres for one application. The amount required for a complete course depends on the repeat-treatment schedule.

Can I use Aquasonic Formalin/Malachite with tetras and loaches?

These fish may be sensitive to medications containing formalin and malachite green. Manufacturer instructions include a reduced dosage for tetras, juvenile fish and scaleless fish such as loaches. Confirm species compatibility before treating.

Is Aquasonic Formalin/Malachite safe for shrimp and snails?

No. This medication should not be used in aquariums containing ornamental shrimp, snails or other sensitive invertebrates.

Does Aquasonic Formalin/Malachite contain copper?

No copper ingredient is listed in this formalin and malachite green formulation. However, copper-free does not mean the treatment is safe for invertebrates or sensitive fish.

Should I remove activated carbon during treatment?

Yes. Activated carbon can absorb aquarium medications and reduce their effectiveness. Remove it during treatment while maintaining biological filtration and strong aeration.

Can Aquasonic Formalin/Malachite be used in marine aquariums?

Do not assume it is suitable for marine aquariums. This listing follows the manufacturer's freshwater treatment positioning. Marine fish require an appropriate treatment protocol, and the medication must not be used in reef systems containing corals or other invertebrates.