anesthetic only

Question
Hi Lynda, I want to thank you for your previous response... do you know anything about how to use clove oil as an Anesthetic only!! No Euthanasia...because I've been searching and all the info. I can find is on Euthanasia...I just want him to sleep for a few seconds so we can do a minor operation. I already have a hospital tank that has been cycling 4 days now with beneficial bacteria added...a new tank...

Answer
Hi Liane,
If you are thinking about operating on your fish, then I presume you know exactly what you are doing.  It is so easy to cut too deeply, and injure him.
Here is what I would do...
I have copied this off the web because it would have been too long for me to write.

Buy Clove oil

Clove oil (eugenol) is available at any drug store and is sold as a toothache remedy. It has been used for years as a fish anesthetic for surgeries and tagging procedures. Clove oil will put a fish to sleep and ensure it feels no pain. However the fish can wake up from this sleep if removed from the clove bath.  

Here are the steps for fish up to 3" (7.6cm) in length:

1. Add tank water to a measuring cup or mixing bowl. Measure the amount of tank water you add to the cup or bowl and make a note of it. Place the fish in the container. If the fish is in a clear cup place a dark towel around the cup to calm the fish.

2. Fill a small, clean jar or bottle with tank water, leaving some room at the top. This might be a baby food jar or pill bottle. Put 1 drop of clove oil in the jar or bottle, cap and shake vigorously. The clove oil must emulsify, turning the water milky white.

Gently pour about 1/4 of this emulsified mixture into the fish's container. The fish will begin listing as it starts to fall asleep. Let the fish be for about 10 minutes. The fish should be resting on the bottom by then. It will look dead, but if you watch closely its gills will be breathing once every few seconds.

He should be asleep, but will awake from this sleep as soon as you put him back into his cycled water.
I hope this helps, and that your operation will be a success.
Lynda

If using Melafix on a Betta...use only half the dosage, as a full dose would be very harmful to him.  Bettafix would be a much better medication if this is the case.  Bettas do not do well with Melafix as it is too strong for them.