Kanamycin Sulfate is a broad spectrum antibiotic that is bacteriocidal for many bacterial strains and is useful in controlling many bacterial infections, including Aeromonas, Vibrio, Flexibacter and Mycobacteria in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
It is also referred to as a super drug when combined with Nitrofurazone and/or Metronidazole as the synergistic properties between these medications are even more effective than when treating with just a single drug.
Treatment: There are different dosing plans for using Kanamycin Sulfate in the aquarium or quarantine tank.
- Following a 20% or larger water change, dose 500-750 mg (1/4 teaspoon) per 20 gallon daily for 7-10 days
- For a long term bath, dose 1 teaspoon per 10 gallon
- Dose 380 mg per gallon (50-100 mg / L) every 3rd day for a total of 3 treatments. Must do a 50% water change before each dose. This is a highly concentrated dose, so monitor fish closely if taking this route.
When dosing in the tank should be preceded with a partial water change as directed above for the selected dosing plan. May discontinue treatment after 3-5 days if no improvement is observed. Do not prematurely stop as this is how medications lose effectiveness and can lead to bacteria becoming immune to treatment.
Treating Tuberculosis: Following the daily plan (option 1 above) dose daily for 30 days minimum when treating resistant forms of tuberculosis. Make sure to monitor water parameters with such a long term treatment plan as any antibiotic can have a negative affect on the cycle and its stability. If there are any signs of ammonia or nitrite during treatment, do a 25% water change before each daily dose. This will help to keep the ammonia or nitrite under control. It is critical to maintain water quality while treating sick fish or they may succumb to the polluted environment with a long term treatment plan.