Malachite green liquid tonic

Question
QUESTION: Whatever happened to the general tonic called Malachite green which we used to use many years ago to cure all?
No one nowadays in the aquarium trade seems to now what I'm refering to.

ANSWER: Dear Dave,
Malachite green can be a very toxic medication. You can read more in depth about it here:
http://www.fishdoc.co.uk/treatments/malachite.htm

It has been mentioned that Malachite green may be banned in the future.

Hope this helps!
Karen~

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Karen. Many thanks for the info. It's hard to believe that something we used for years and with no ill effects at the time has become outlawed. Now, I have a Silver Shark, about 4cm long. Its fins have suddenly become bloodshot,ie, red in colour, and its mouth area and underbody is turning white.....Whats wrong??

Answer
Hi Dave, you're welcome!

The first thing I'd do for your shark is to check the water quality. Make sure the ammonia and nitrites are both ZERO and nitrates are 20 or less. It sure sounds like a water quality issue going on here. If in doubt, please immediately do a 50% water change!

It is also possible your shark has a bacterial infection. The red fins make me think of septicemia or another similar bacterial infection. This -can- be caused by poor water conditions so first try to improve your water quality as soon as possible by doing a large water change and perhaps repeating these large water changes for several days, even if you "think" your water quality is perfect. He'll probably have to be treated with a medication. But for now make sure to preform plenty of large water changes. Oftentimes, ammonia can cause reddened fins. Sometimes this condition of Hemorrhagic Septicemia can be resolved by simply improving water conditions. But it may not hurt to treat with a medication. You can use Melafix which is a natural and relatively very safe medication as just as a precautionary treatment. Or you can use a stronger medication such as  Maracyn-Two.

I really hope this helps!
Best of luck!
Karen~