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| Active Ingredient | Metronidazole |
|---|---|
| Strength | 250 mg or 500 mg per tablet |
| Form | Tablets |
| Bottle Size | 60 count |
| Drug Class | Nitroimidazole |
| For | Ornamental aquarium fish & non-food pet birds |
| Manufacturer | Aqua Soma Labs |
| Prescription | Not required (over-the-counter) |
Fix Zole (Fish Zole) Metronidazole 250mg and 500mg is a metronidazole fish and bird antibiotic in tablet form. Shoppers also look for it as fish metronidazole, fishzole, or by older brand names like Fish Zole Forte, Aqua Zole, and aquazole. It is now made by Aqua Soma Labs and sold over the counter, replacing the discontinued Thomas Labs Fish Zole. If you have used MetroPlex in the past, this is a tablet-based alternative.
Hobbyists use Fix Zole to help manage internal parasites and intestinal flagellates (protozoan flagellates) such as Hexamita and Spironucleus. These can show up in several ways in susceptible freshwater fish, from feeding and behavior changes to visible physical signs (see the symptom list below). Many keepers prefer treating in a hospital tank or quarantine setup for easier observation and control.
Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole medication with activity against certain protozoa and anaerobic organisms by disrupting DNA processes in susceptible targets. When used as directed, it can be part of a broader care plan that also includes stable water quality, reduced stress, and good nutrition. It is not intended for ich or flukes, and it is not a first choice for typical fin rot unless a professional has confirmed the cause.
Fix Zole from Aqua Soma Labs delivers 250 mg or 500 mg metronidazole per tablet in 60-count bottles with fresh expiration dates. Pick the strength that matches your tank size and treatment plan, with no splitting or measuring. You can pre-dissolve a tablet in a small cup of aquarium water before adding it to a treatment tank, which helps it spread evenly.
Use Fix Zole when fish or pet birds show signs that may be linked to protozoan flagellates or anaerobic-sensitive issues. Common signs differ between species, so check the lists below to identify what to watch for.
Supporting treatment with clean water, stable temperature, and appropriate husbandry helps reduce setbacks and improve outcomes. For pet birds, always confirm the diagnosis with an avian veterinarian before administering metronidazole.
Order online: Fix Zole ships directly from our U.S. warehouse the same business day. No veterinary prescription required for aquarium fish use.
Important Notice: This product is intended for aquarium and ornamental fish and pet birds only. It is not for human consumption or for animals used for food. We do not sell or recommend this product for human use.
If you previously used Thomas Labs Fish Zole, Fish Zole Forte, or Aqua-Zole by Aqua Soma Labs, here is what you need to know about Fix Zole:
Same as Fish Zole, Fish Zole Forte, and Aqua-Zole
Fix Zole uses the same metronidazole that hobbyists relied on under the Thomas Labs Fish Zole, Fish Zole Forte, and Aqua Soma Labs Aqua-Zole names, at 250 mg or 500 mg per tablet.
New Manufacturer
Produced by Aqua Soma Labs, which now manufactures the Fix line of fish and bird antibiotics (Fix Mox, Fix Doxy, Fix Zole) after Thomas Labs discontinued its Fish Zole product.
Same 60-Count Bottles
Each bottle contains 60 tablets, the same count hobbyists expect. Choose 250 mg or 500 mg to match your tank size and treatment plan.
Updated Packaging, Same Formula
The label and brand name are new. The metronidazole inside is the same formula the hobby has used for years.
Commonly used to help manage internal parasites and protozoan flagellates such as Hexamita and Spironucleus, which are often associated with appetite loss, weight loss, white stringy poop, Malawi bloat, and "hole-in-the-head" type signs in susceptible freshwater fish such as cichlids and discus.
Fix Zole is available over the counter for aquarium fish use. No vet prescription or doctor's visit is needed to purchase. For pet birds, always consult an avian veterinarian before administering metronidazole.
In non-food pet birds, metronidazole may be used under avian veterinary guidance for certain protozoal concerns such as giardia, frounce (common in raptors), and as an effective pigeon canker treatment for trichomonosis, especially in racing pigeons and related species.
Choose the strength that fits your setup and plan. A consistent mg per tablet (in 60-count bottles) lets you scale the dose across different tank sizes or care routines.
Many hobbyists treat in a separate hospital tank for better observation and to help protect the display tank's biofilter and sensitive tank mates. Tablets can be pre-dissolved in a small cup of aquarium water for more even distribution.
Medication alone rarely fixes the problem. The best results come when you also keep the temperature stable, the water clean, stress low, and feeding appropriate.
Fix Zole is not typically used for ich (white spot), gill flukes, or Costia, and it is not a first choice for typical fin rot unless the cause has been confirmed. If symptoms persist, confirm the diagnosis or consult an aquatic or avian professional.
Directions for Use:
Move affected fish to a dedicated hospital tank when possible. This helps you monitor behavior, control dosing more precisely, and reduce unnecessary exposure in the display aquarium.
You may pre-dissolve the tablet in a small cup of aquarium water, then distribute it evenly across the fish tank you are treating:
250 mg: Add one 250 mg tablet per 10 gallons (38 L) of water.
500 mg: Add one 500 mg tablet per 20 gallons (76 L) of water.
Repeat the dose every 24 hours, performing a partial water change between treatments.
Remove activated carbon or other chemical filtration media during treatment and keep good aeration running, since carbon can reduce medication availability in the water.
Continue daily treatment for 5 to 10 days (do not exceed 10 days). If there is no improvement within 5 days, discontinue treatment and consult an aquatic professional.
Only administer metronidazole to non-food pet birds under the direction of an avian veterinarian. Your vet should confirm the diagnosis and advise the correct mg-per-kg dose, frequency, and duration. Tablets may be given whole, split, or crushed and mixed into soft food exactly as instructed.
| Tank volume | Metronidazole per dose | 250 mg tablets | 500 mg tablets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 gallons (38 L) | 250 mg | 1 | — |
| 20 gallons (76 L) | 500 mg | 2 | 1 |
| 30 gallons (114 L) | 750 mg | 3 | 1 + one 250 mg |
| 40 gallons (151 L) | 1000 mg | 4 | 2 |
| 55 gallons (208 L) | about 1375 mg | 5 to 6 | 3 |
These figures come from the label-style guideline of 250 mg per 10 gallons, roughly 25 mg per gallon. Dose by the water volume of your treatment tank, not by the number of fish, give one dose every 24 hours for 5 to 10 days, and round to the nearest practical tablet. The bottle label or your aquatic veterinarian takes priority over this quick-reference chart.
Fish may hide or eat less while the medication takes hold. This is normal early on. Keep dosing on schedule and keep aeration strong.
Look for signs it is working: appetite picking back up, droppings returning to normal, steadier activity. If nothing has changed by day 5, or the fish look worse, stop and ask an aquatic veterinarian.
Even if the fish are improving, finish the full course so the problem does not return. Afterward, run a partial water change and put activated carbon back in to clear any leftover medication.
Get these ready before the first dose:
Pro Tip: After treatment, perform a partial water change and reintroduce activated carbon (if you normally use it) to help remove residual medication from the water.
Metronidazole is a 5-nitroimidazole medication that is activated in susceptible anaerobic organisms and certain protozoa. During activation, short-lived reactive intermediates can damage DNA and disrupt cellular function in these targets. Hobbyists may also recognize metronidazole tablets under earlier names such as Thomas Labs Fish Zole, Fish Zole Forte, and Aqua-Zole, or as the "fish Flagyl" some keepers ask for, since flagyl for fish is simply the same active ingredient found in the prescription medication Flagyl.
Like most tablets, Fix Zole includes inert excipients (such as binders and stabilizers) that help the tablet hold its shape, store well, and dissolve or disperse when mixed with water. The exact excipient list is not always published and may vary by batch.
When used as directed, Fix Zole (metronidazole) is generally well tolerated in ornamental aquarium fish and non-food pet birds. Incorrect dosing, prolonged use, unnecessary repeat courses, or combining treatments can increase the risk of stress and side effects.
Possible reactions include temporary reduced appetite, mild lethargy, or hiding behavior. If you see severe distress (rapid gill movement, loss of balance, gasping at the surface, or lying on the bottom), stop treatment, increase aeration, perform a partial water change, and seek aquatic veterinary advice.
Use metronidazole only under avian veterinary guidance. Possible reactions may include decreased appetite, loose or changed droppings, and lethargy, especially if the bird is sensitive or the dose is not correct. If your bird appears fluffed up, inactive, or stops eating, discontinue use and contact an avian veterinarian.
Sensitivity can vary by species. Whenever possible, treat fish in a separate hospital tank instead of dosing a display aquarium that contains shrimp, snails, corals, or other invertebrates. If needed, relocate sensitive invertebrates before treatment.
Do not mix Fix Zole with other antibiotics or medications unless advised by a professional. Avoid routine preventative dosing. If symptoms persist or return, confirm the diagnosis before repeating a course.
Store at controlled room temperature of 59 to 86 F (15 to 30 C) in a cool, dry place. Keep the container tightly closed to protect tablets from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Fix Zole is intended for ornamental aquarium fish and non-food pet birds only. It is not for human use and not for animals raised for food. Always follow label directions.
Shipping Policy: Orders ship from our U.S. warehouse within 1 business day via USPS or UPS, with rates and delivery times calculated at checkout. For full details, see our shipping policy.
Refund Policy: If there is an issue with your order, you may be able to return or exchange items within 30 days according to our store guidelines. Before sending anything back, please review our refund policy carefully.
Fix Mox (Amoxicillin) 250/500mg A broad-spectrum penicillin-type fish antibiotic for fin rot, dropsy, ulcers and other bacterial infections. Available in 30-count and 100-count capsules. Shop Fix Mox
Fix Doxy (Doxycycline) 100mg A tetracycline-class fish and bird antibiotic effective against columnaris, respiratory infections and Mycoplasma. Available in 30-count and 60-count tablets. Shop Fix Doxy
Fix Zithro (Azithromycin) 250mg A macrolide fish and bird antibiotic for fin rot, columnaris, gill disease and avian respiratory concerns. Available in 12-count and 30-count tablets. Shop Fix Zithro
Fix Cin (Clindamycin) 150mg A lincosamide fish antibiotic commonly used for gram-positive bacterial infections including skin and soft tissue concerns in ornamental fish. Shop Fix Cin
Fix Sulfa (SMZ/TMP) 960mg A sulfonamide combination fish antibiotic offering broad-spectrum coverage against a range of bacterial infections in ornamental fish. Shop Fix Sulfa
Fix Pen (Penicillin) 500mg A penicillin-type fish and bird antibiotic for gram-positive bacterial infections in ornamental fish and non-food pet birds. Shop Fix Pen
Fix Flex (Cephalexin) 250/500mg A first-generation cephalosporin fish and bird antibiotic for fin rot, ulcers and bacterial skin infections in ornamental fish. Shop Fix Flex
Fix Flox (Ciprofloxacin) 500mg A fluoroquinolone fish and bird antibiotic for gram-negative bacterial infections including fin rot, ulcers, columnaris and septicemia in ornamental fish. Shop Fix Flox
Browse all treatments Explore our complete Fish & Bird Antibiotics Collection for more Fix line products and related treatments.
Guides and treatment tips Visit the Fish & Bird Antibiotics Blog for practical dosing guides, water-care advice and treatment tips.
Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 27 - Aug 1
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