Need help with a sick koi or water quality?
Join our free Facebook support group for koi health and treatment guidance.
-
Directions for Use
Recent studies suggest that long-term baths at 10 ppm for 6–12 hours can be as effective as short-term baths at 25 ppm for 1 hour, with reduced fish stress (Kawai et al., 1987, Journal of Fish Diseases). Consider this when selecting a treatment method for your koi.
Dip Method
- 25 ppm in 50 gallons requires approximately 4.73 grams, rounded to 5 grams for easy measuring.
- Treat fish for 1 hour in an isolation tank.
- Ensure adequate aeration and monitor fish for stress.
Prolonged Bath Treatment
- Use 5 ppm (19g per 1,000 gallons) of pond water.
- Maintain treatment for 3 to 5 days, followed by a 25% water change.
- Recommended for mild infections and recovery enhancement.
Short-Term Bath
- Use 10 ppm (38g per 1,000 gallons) of pond water.
- Maintain treatment for 6–12 hours, depending on severity.
- Only for severe infections; monitor fish closely for signs of stress.
Medicated Feed
- Mix 1g of KoiCure per 1 pound of koi food.
- Dissolve KoiCure in a small amount of water and coat food evenly.
- Allow food to air-dry completely before feeding.
- Feed once daily for 10 days.
-
DIY Medicated Koi Food with Aqua Meds KoiCure™
Purpose:
To support the treatment of bacterial infections such as Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, fin rot, and ulcers by mixing KoiCure™ into koi food.Dosage Guidelines:
- Target dose: Commonly used medicated-feed levels based on koi body weight
- Mixing Ratio: 1 gram of KoiCure™ per 100 grams of koi food (1% by weight)
This 1% formulation follows established aquaculture medicated-feed practices and provides an effective daily treatment when fed normally.
DIY Recipe – 1 lb Batch
Create your own medicated koi food using KoiCure™ from Aqua Meds. This method delivers treatment through food with minimal handling stress.
Ingredients:
- Koi pellets: 448.5 grams (15.82 oz)
- KoiCure™: 4.5 grams (0.16 oz)
- Unflavored gelatin: 7 grams (0.25 oz, approx. 1 packet)
- Hot water: ~1/4 cup (for dissolving gelatin)
Instructions:
- Prepare Binder: Dissolve 1 packet of unflavored gelatin in 1/4 cup of hot water. Stir until fully dissolved and let cool slightly.
- Mix Medication: Stir in 4.5 g (0.16 oz) of KoiCure™ until evenly mixed.
- Coat the Food: Place koi pellets in a bowl or bag. Add the medicated gelatin and mix until evenly coated.
- Dry: Spread on a tray and air dry for several hours or refrigerate uncovered overnight.
- Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container. Use within 7–10 days.
Feeding Directions:
- Feed once or twice daily for 10–14 days
- Feed only what koi will consume in 5–10 minutes
- Do not feed below 50°F (10°C)
- Remove uneaten food promptly
Important Notes:
- Do not combine with other antibiotics unless directed
- For bacterial infections only
- Maintain excellent water quality and aeration
-
Q: How do NitroCure™, KoiCure™, and KanaRx™ differ?
A: All three are pure Aqua Meds antibiotic treatments, but they are used at different stages:- NitroCure™ (nitrofurazone) – First-line external bath treatment for most ulcers, fin rot, tail rot, and gill disease. Can be used as a dip, short-term bath, or long-term bath.
- KoiCure™ (oxolinic acid) – Strong immersion treatment for more serious or persistent external infections, especially those with a gram-negative or septicemia appearance (red streaks, bloody patches).
- KanaRx™ (kanamycin sulfate) – Deep, broad-spectrum antibiotic for severe, resistant, or internal infections. Can be used as a bath, pond immersion, or medicated food.
We do not recommend using them at full strength at the same time. Instead, they can be used sequentially (for example: start with NitroCure, step up to KoiCure if needed, and reserve KanaRx for the most advanced cases or internal infections).
Q: Which one should I use first?
A: As a simple rule of thumb:- For new, straightforward external infections, start with NitroCure™.
- For more serious or persistent external infections, consider KoiCure™.
- For severe, resistant, or clearly internal infections, or when you need medicated food, use KanaRx™.
For a more detailed comparison and dosing overview, read our full guide:
NitroCure™ vs. KoiCure™ vs. KanaRx™: Which Aqua Meds Antibiotic Should I Use? -
Technical Details
Active ingredient: Oxolinic acid
Form: Powder
Intended use: For ornamental fish only. Not for fish intended for human consumption.
- Is this the right Aqua Meds® product for my sick fish or pond water problem?
- Aqua Meds Dealers