Information on Using Tea Tree Oil in the Water of a Fish Bowl

What is Tea Tree Oil?

• Tea tree oil is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant. It has a refreshing, outdoorsy fragrance with notes of camphor, and it's often added to cosmetics, soaps and lotions. Scientists report that tea tree oil has antiseptic, antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Why Add it to a Fish Tank?

• Tea tree oil can help to treat bacterial and fungal infections in aquarium fish. It also can help to promote fin and tissue regrowth (after one fish attacks another, for example) and aids other fish conditions, such as fin rot and velvet. As noted, tea tree oil also has a role in keeping aquarium water clean and healthy.

How Much Should be Added?

• The recommended dosage to add to a fish tank is 1 drop of pure tea tree oil per 1 gallon of aquarium water. So a 10-gallon aquarium requires 10 drops of pure tea tree oil, but a veterinarian should be consulted before the oil is added to a fish tank.

Where is it Available?

• Common brand names of tea tree oil mixtures made specifically for aquariums include Melafix and Bettafix. Melafix is a stronger dilution; Bettafix is a lighter dilution that makes it harder to overdose smaller (especially Betta) fish. Pure tea tree oil can be purchased at drugstores and online.

How Expensive is it?

• Pure tea tree essential oil can cost from $7 to $10 (in early 2010) and more for a 2 oz. bottle.

Does it Include Warnings?

• A veterinarian should be consulted to determine whether or not fish should be given antibiotics in addition to tea tree oil. Smaller fish, especially bettas, can overdose on tea tree oil. So caution needs to be used.