Are these products for human use?
No. Everything we sell is labelled and sold for ornamental fish and pet birds only. It is not for human consumption. If you need medication for yourself or another person, see a physician or pharmacist.
Do I need a prescription?
The products listed here are sold over the counter for aquarium and avian use. We still recommend working with an aquatic or avian veterinarian before starting any treatment.
When does my order ship?
Orders placed before 2:00 PM ET on a business day are dispatched the same day. Orders placed after that, or on weekends and holidays, go out the next business day.
How is the product packaged?
In factory-sealed bottles with the active ingredient, strength, count, lot code and expiry date printed on the label.
What is the shelf life?
Bottles ship with the expiry date printed on the label. We do not ship product inside twelve months of expiry.
Can I return an order?
Unopened, factory-sealed bottles can be returned within 30 days of delivery. For safety reasons we cannot accept opened bottles. See our refund & return policy and shipping policy for the full terms.
Which product should I choose?
That depends on the organism involved, which needs a diagnosis. Our antibacterial guide explains the classes and how aquarists set up a treatment tank, but it is not a substitute for veterinary advice.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship within the United States. Contact us if you have a question about a specific destination.
What is the difference between the antibacterial classes you sell?
The nine products fall into seven classes. Penicillins (Fish Mox, Fish Pen) and cephalosporins (Fish Flex) disrupt the bacterial cell wall. Tetracyclines (Fish Doxy), macrolides (Fish Zithro) and lincosamides (Fish Cin) block protein synthesis. Fluoroquinolones (Fish Flox) interfere with DNA replication, sulfonamide combinations (Fish Sulfa Forte) block folate synthesis, and nitroimidazoles (Fish Zole) act on anaerobes and some protozoa. Our classes guide explains each one.
Why do aquarists treat the tank rather than the fish?
Because the water is the animal's environment and its respiratory medium at the same time. Most symptoms that look like infection are produced by ammonia, nitrite, temperature swings or low oxygen, and correcting the water resolves them without any medication. Testing first also tells you whether a treatment is working. See our water quality guide.
Why does a course have to be finished?
The most susceptible bacteria die first, so visible improvement arrives well before an infection is cleared. Stopping at that point leaves the least susceptible organisms to repopulate, and the next course works less well. Completing the labelled duration, then removing residues with fresh activated carbon and water changes, avoids selecting for resistance in your own system.
What should I do if a treatment is interrupted?
Do not simply resume where you left off, and do not double a dose to catch up. Contact an aquatic or avian veterinarian, who can advise whether to restart, continue or change approach based on how long the gap was and how the animal is responding. Keep your daily record of water tests and symptoms — it is what makes that advice possible.
Do I need a quarantine tank?
For treatment, yes. Antibacterials suppress the nitrifying bacteria in a display tank's filter, which can trigger an ammonia spike that harms the fish more than the original problem. A bare, filtered, heated hospital tank also lets you observe the animal properly. Our quarantine tank guide covers setup.
Are these products legal to sell without a prescription?
They are supplied over the counter for ornamental fish and pet birds, which are not food-producing animals. They are not FDA-approved animal drugs and are not for human use or for animals destined for the food chain. Our legal and regulatory page sets out the details, and state rules may add restrictions where you live.
For aquarium and avian use only. Aqua Soma Labs products are sold for use in ornamental fish and pet birds. They are not for human consumption and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease in humans. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Last reviewed: September 2026. We re-check this page each quarter and whenever a policy, price or product label changes.