API Pimafix

118 mL

$31.95

Pack size

118 mL

Cost per litre

3.6c

Water type

Freshwater + Marine

API Pimafix

$31.95

A plant-based remedy gentle enough to dose straight into a reef. API Pimafix is a liquid remedy containing Bay Oil (Pimenta racemosa) at 1.0%, labelled by API to treat fungal infections – including cottony growths, and mouth or body fungus – and to support recovery from bacterial infections that cause fin or body reddening. It's sold here in 118 mL, 237 mL and 473 mL bottles.

Key features

Single declared active – Bay Oil (Pimenta racemosa) at 1.0%, transcribed from API's registered label.
Rated safe for reef, invertebrates and live plants – API states it's safe for delicate freshwater and saltwater fish, reef aquariums with invertebrates, and live plants, and that it will not harm biological filtration.
Dosed daily, not once – 5 mL per 10 US gallons (38 L) every day, with a 25% water change after 7 days.
Cost falls as the bottle grows – 3c per litre of treated water from the 118 mL bottle, down to 1c per litre from the 473 mL bottle, at current prices.
Pairs with Melafix – API markets the two as a combination for infections with both a fungal and bacterial component.

Dosage and directions

Reproduced from API's registered label:

Add 5 mL per 10 US gallons (38 L) of aquarium water, once daily.
Continue daily dosing for 7 days.
After 7 days, perform a 25% water change.
If signs are still present, treatment may continue – repeat the 7-day dosing cycle followed by a 25% water change.

During treatment, API recommends turning off the protein skimmer and UV steriliser, as both will pull the active ingredient back out of the water before it has a chance to work. In a saltwater system, watch for surface haze during dosing; an extra water change clears it if it forms.

Specifications

Active ingredient	Bay Oil (Pimenta racemosa), 1.0% (1 g per 100 mL)
Treats	Fungal infections (cottony growth, mouth and body fungus) and fin or body reddening from bacterial infection
Dose rate	5 mL per 10 US gallons (38 L), once daily
Course length	7 days minimum, then a 25% water change; repeat if signs persist
Water type	Freshwater and saltwater
Invertebrate and plant safety	Labelled safe for reef invertebrates and live plants
Biofilter safety	Labelled safe – will not harm biological filtration
Carbon, skimmer and UV	Turn off protein skimmer and UV steriliser during treatment
Pack sizes sold here	118 mL, 237 mL, 473 mL
Freight	Standard

Which size do I need, and what does it cost per litre?

Every bottle is dosed at the same rate, so the litres of water one bottle can treat through a full 7-day course scale directly with its volume. The larger bottles work out cheaper per litre treated:

Size	Approx. litres treated (single dose basis)	Cost per litre treated
118 mL	886 L	3c per litre
237 mL	1,779 L	2c per litre
473 mL	3,552 L	1c per litre

These figures are litres dosed per application at API's label rate, not a total volume across a whole course – a course that runs past 7 days uses more bottle with each additional day of dosing. Choose by tank size and how many courses you expect to run, not just by sticker price.

Suitable for, and not suitable for

Suitable for:

Freshwater and saltwater fish showing fungal growth or bacterial fin and body reddening
Reef tanks and planted tanks, dosed directly per the label
Use alongside API Melafix for infections with both a fungal and bacterial component

Not suitable for:

Running a protein skimmer or UV steriliser at the same time – both strip the active ingredient out before it works
Human consumption or fish intended for food – the label carries a California Proposition 65 warning and is not intended for that use

Safety and handling

Keep out of reach of children.
Not for use in aquariums where fish will be eaten by people.
Turn off the protein skimmer and UV steriliser for the duration of treatment, and back on once the water change is done.

Goes well with

API Melafix – API markets the two together for infections with both a fungal and bacterial element.
API Stress Coat – for conditioning the water used in the 25% change after each 7-day course.
API Freshwater Master Multi Test Kit 5 in 1 – worth checking ammonia and nitrite on a tank that's sick enough to need treating.

Warranty and delivery

This is a consumable, so no manufacturer warranty period applies. That does not affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law: if the product is faulty, unsafe or not as described, you are entitled to a remedy.

Ships as standard freight.

Common questions

Is Pimafix safe for shrimp, snails and corals?

API labels it safe for reef aquariums with invertebrates and for live plants, unlike copper-based medications. As with any treatment, watch sensitive livestock closely during the first dose.

Do I need to remove carbon before dosing?

API's label calls out turning off the protein skimmer and UV steriliser specifically; it does not separately mention carbon. Running carbon during treatment is likely to pull the active ingredient out in the same way a skimmer or UV does, so it's worth removing it for the course if you're running any.

What if my fish still show signs after 7 days?

API's label allows continued treatment: do the 25% water change after day 7, then repeat the daily dosing cycle if signs are still present.

Can I dose Pimafix and Melafix together?

API markets the two as a combination for infections with both a fungal and bacterial component. Follow each product's own label dose rather than combining the two doses into one.