It is believed that aquarium fish is the kind of pet that does not cause too much anxiety. It is difficult to judge how true such a statement is. However, to fully care for the aquarium, it’s not enough to install a good filter, lighting and do not forget to pour fish food.
One of the problems for the aquarist is algae, which can appear in the aquarium. Both beginners and experienced owners of aquariums know what negative effects algae seemingly harmless can have.
Their layer on the inner surface of the walls impedes the penetration of light required by higher aquarium plants. Algae negatively affect the physicochemical composition of water, secrete toxins and spoil the appearance.
There are few ways to combat the formation of algae. This can be, for example, mechanical cleaning of the walls with a special scraper or the introduction of living creatures that feed on algae into the aquarium ecosystem - snails, catfish. Such funds have already been tested, but do not always give the proper effect. Often you can not do without an additional chemical agent designed to combat algae.
To effectively destroy vegetation without harm to other aquarium inhabitants, it is often recommended to use products based on glutaraldehyde.
Glutaraldehyde - what is it?
Externally, glutaraldehyde, also known as glutaric dialdehyde, is a colorless oily transparent liquid and contains up to 51% of the active substance in its composition.
This is a complex organic substance belonging to the group of aldehydes, that is, alcohols lacking hydrogen.
Properties of this substance:
sterilizes and disinfects
soluble in water,
able to absorb moisture in the air,
It has excellent biocidal properties, that is, it contributes to the destruction of various microbes, fungal formations and algae.
Where and for what purpose is glutaraldehyde used
Due to all these properties and the relative safety of glutaraldehyde, the substance is used in many industries:
for medical purposes: 5 8 2 (glutaraldehyde) replaces heat treatment during disinfection of medical equipment,
sanitation of water for industrial purposes,
when examining tissues using electromicroscopy, a drop of glutaraldehyde plays the role of a biological tissue fixative,
part of balsamic remedies,
used as a tannin for leather in the manufacture of leather products,
in agriculture: for disinfection of livestock buildings,
in the pulp industry: to prevent the formation of mucus in the manufacture of paper,
as a preservative in cosmetics,
to destroy algae in the aquarium.
The widespread use of glutaraldehyde is also associated with the low price of this substance relative to some analogues: a five-liter canister, at last year’s prices, cost less than 1000 rubles.
Algae Impact
The main reason why glutaraldehyde is used to suppress algae in the aquarium is the properties of this substance, which allow eliminating harmful organisms in the aquatic environment, but at the same time preserving fish and higher plants.
This effect is achieved due to the interaction of the substance with the upper layers of the cells, in which the cells "stick together" and the division stops.
Sidex drug: composition
The most commonly used chemical product containing glutaraldehyde as a means of controlling aquarium algae is Sidex. This drug is a 2.5% solution of glutaraldehyde.
Important: the name of the drug used to suppress algae in the aquatic environment of the aquarium is “Cidex”! It should not be confused with another product from the same company under the brand name Cidex OPA. In a Cidex solution, the active ingredient is glutaraldehyde, the composition of the Cidex OPA is different in that it uses a completely different active ingredient.
In addition, there is another known disinfectant containing glutaraldehyde. Its brand name is Lysoformin. The use of this drug is not recommended for the aquarium, as it contains several additional toxic substances at once: glyoxal, alkylpolyethylene glycol ether, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, glutaraldehyde.
Release form
What should an aquarium owner know who is planning to use glutaraldehyde for disinfection for the first time? Sidex is available in the form of a “kit” consisting of a solution of glutaraldehyde (canister) and a powder activator, which is added to the solution for medical disinfection.
Important: you cannot use the activated Sidex drug for the aquarium! Only the solution of glutaraldehyde itself, subject to all the rules of use, will not have a detrimental effect on the inhabitants of the aquarium.
Manufacturer of Sidex
There are several companies engaged in the production of glutaraldehyde and compounds (solutions) using it.
In particular, the Sydex disinfectant in question is produced by the American giant company Johnson and Johnson. The largest production of glutaraldehyde in the form of Sidex is in the UK.
The therapeutic effect of the drug
Sidex, a chemical preparation based on glutaraldehyde, has high sporicidal and bactericidal properties that can achieve a positive effect not only in the destruction of aquarium algae, but also for the prevention of various infectious diseases of higher plants and aquarium living organisms and fish.
The disinfecting properties of Sidex, which contains glutaraldehyde 2.5% in its composition, affect not only the aquatic environment and plants, but also the soil layer in the aquarium.
Human exposure, higher aquarium plants and living organisms
A solution of glutaraldehyde is often called a panacea for harmful algae. However, one of the properties of this substance is toxicity, even if it is relatively low.
Examining not only the annotation for solutions, but also the reviews of the owners of aquariums that regularly carry out disinfection with Sidex, it can be noted that if the drug is followed carefully and the dosage is respected, the substance is not dangerous for humans, and it can even positively affect most plants, accelerating their growth.
Are there any negative reactions after using Sidex? Some reviews on special forums refer to the occurrence of allergic reactions in a person in the form of a sore throat, watery eyes, runny nose or asthmatic attacks when using the drug in an open aquarium that is not covered by a lid. In most cases, this is due to individual intolerance to the solution, which the manufacturer immediately warns about in the instructions.
Some owners of aquariums noted signs of oxygen starvation in fish when using large doses of Sidex. It is impossible to say for certain whether there is a relationship of these signs with the solution, however, it is known that the symptoms disappeared without a trace during the day. Complaints about the negative effects of Sidex on snails or shrimp are not found.
Preparation for processing an aquarium with Sidex
Before adding a solution of glutaraldehyde to the aquarium water, you need to prepare the aquarium for processing as follows:
thoroughly clean the filter and “siphon” the aquarium water,
remove as many higher plants affected by algae as possible,
replace 50-70% of the water in the aquarium,
adjust the circulation of water, minimizing the flow,
completely darken the aquarium, remove artificial lighting,
stop the flow of carbon dioxide into the aquatic environment.
Ignoring this cleaning step significantly reduces the effect of glutaraldehyde and (or) negatively affects the properties of water and the well-being of the inhabitants of the aquarium. Only after completing the preparatory steps can the Sidex drug be added.
Method of application, dosage
Important: “Sidex” must be used in strict accordance with the instructions and exact dosage, in order to avoid the negative impact on the aquarium environment and the allergic reaction that glutaraldehyde can cause in humans. The properties of this drug are such that it can contribute to the destruction of Blackbeard algae and common red and blue-green algae, nitrate and some other species.
For the complete disappearance of algae, it will take at least 1 month.
It is recommended to add Sidex to the aquarium in the morning, gradually pouring in and diluting the solution in one liter of water.
In case of severe damage to algae for the first five or seven days, Sidex is added to the water every day at the highest possible concentration at the rate of 25 ml per 100 liters of water. Exceeding this dosage is strictly prohibited! When applying a high dose, aeration is recommended to be increased.
During this period, the aquarium needs careful care and supervision. After dying off, algae must be collected from the surface of the soil. The filter must be thoroughly washed and cleaned again. This is done in order to protect the inhabitants of the aquarium from the effects of substances such as ammonium and nitrite - they are formed by dead algae.
On the third day after the start of disinfection, it is recommended to renew the water, replacing about 20-30% of it.
Next, the remaining month “Sidex” is added every day at the rate of 20 ml per 100 liters. During this time, the algae will die completely.
To consolidate the achieved result, the drug can be added every other day, at a dosage of 15 ml per 100 liters.
Sidex may be used as a prophylaxis and disinfection for new aquarium plants. To do this, dilute 1-3 ml of the substance in a separate container in 1 liter of water. In this solution, the plants must be carefully rinsed for 3-5 minutes.
Precautionary measures
- It is necessary to observe the storage conditions of Sidex: store in tightly closed packaging, in a place inaccessible to children and pets. Storage temperature - no more than 25 degrees. Shelf life - 2 years, after this period it is not safe to use Sidex.
- When using glutaraldehyde and Sidex, it is imperative to use rubber gloves and, if possible, protect the airways with a respirator or medical dressing.
- “Sidex” must not be allowed to come into contact with the skin and eyes. Do not inhale the drug! In case of accidental contact, rinse skin or eyes with running water and consult a doctor.
- Do not use the drug in the presence of allergic diseases or hypersensitivity to the components.
- After adding Sidex to the aquarium water, close the aquarium tightly with a lid. To the extent possible, regularly ventilate the room in which the aquarium is located.