Use of glutaraldehyde. Composition and application

It is believed that aquarium fish - this is the kind of pets that does not cause too much trouble. To what extent such a statement is justified, it is difficult to judge. However, to fully maintain the aquarium is not enough to install a good filter, lighting and do not forget to pour food on the fish.

One of the problems for an aquarist is the algae that may appear in the aquarium. Both beginners and experienced owners of aquariums know what negative effects can have harmless at first glance, algae.

Their layer on the inner surface of the walls makes it difficult to penetrate the light necessary for higher aquarium plants. Algae negatively affect the physicochemical composition of water, release toxins and spoil the appearance.

Methods to combat the formation of algae a little. It can be, for example, mechanical cleaning of walls with a special scraper or introduction into the aquarium ecosystem of living creatures feeding on algae - snails, catfishes. Such funds have already been tested, but do not always give the proper effect. Often, there is an additional chemical agent for algae control.

To effectively destroy vegetation without harm to other aquarium inhabitants, it is often recommended to use glutaraldehyde-based drugs.

Glutaraldehyde - what is it?

Externally, glutaraldehyde, also a dialdehyde of glutaric acid, is a colorless oily transparent liquid and contains up to 51% of the active substance in its composition.

This is a complex organic substance that belongs to the group of aldehydes, that is, alcohols devoid of hydrogen.

Properties of this substance:

• Sterilizes and disinfects,

• It readily dissolves in water,

• Is able to absorb moisture in the air,

• Has excellent biocidal properties, that is, it helps to destroy various microbes, fungal formations and algae.

Where and for what purpose is glutaraldehyde used

Due to all listed properties and relative safety of glutaraldehyde, the substance is used in many industries:

• For medical purposes: C ₅ H ₈ O ₂ (glutaraldehyde) replaces the thermal treatment during disinfection of medical equipment,

• Water treatment for industrial purposes,

• When researching tissues with the help of electromicroscopy, a drop of glutaraldehyde plays the role of a biotissue fixer,

• Is a part of balsamic products,

• It is used as a tanning agent for the skin in the manufacture of leather products,

• In agriculture: for the disinfection of premises for keeping livestock,

• In the pulp industry: to prevent the formation of slime in the manufacture of paper,

• As a preservative in cosmetics,

• For the destruction of algae in the aquarium.

Wide application of glutaraldehyde is also associated with a low price of this substance with respect to certain analogues: a five-liter canister, at the prices of the previous year, cost less than 1000 rubles.

Effects on algae

The main reason why glutaraldehyde is used to suppress algae in an aquarium is the properties of this substance, which allow the elimination of harmful organisms in the aquatic environment, but at the same time to preserve fish and higher plants.

This effect is achieved due to the interaction of matter with the upper layers of cells, in which the cells "stick together", and the division ceases.

The preparation "Saidex": composition

The chemical preparation containing glutaraldehyde, the most often used as a means for controlling aquarium algae, is the "Saidex". This preparation is a 2.5% solution of glutaraldehyde.

Important: the name of the drug used to suppress algae in the aquatic environment of the aquarium - "Cidex" (Cidex)! It is unacceptable to confuse it with another remedy from the same company under the brand name Cidex ORA. In the Cidex solution, the active ingredient is glutaraldehyde, the composition of the Cidex ORA is different in that it uses a completely different active ingredient.

In addition, there is another known disinfectant containing glutaraldehyde. Its proprietary name is "Lizoformin". The use of this drug is not recommended for the aquarium, as it contains several additional toxic substances: glyoxal, alkyl polyethylene glycol ether, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, glutaraldehyde.

Form of issue

What do you need to know the owner of the aquarium, which for the first time plans to use glutaraldehyde for disinfection? "Saidex" is available as a "kit" consisting of a solution of glutaraldehyde (canister) and a powder activator that is added to the solution for medical disinfection.

Important: you can not use the activated preparation "Saidex" for the aquarium! Only the solution of glutaraldehyde, provided all the rules of use are observed, will not have a harmful effect on the inhabitants of the aquarium.

Producer of the drug "Saidex"

There are several companies that produce glutaraldehyde and formulations (solutions) with its use.

In particular, the considered disinfectant "Saydeks" is produced by the American company-giant "Johnson and Johnson". The largest production of glutaraldehyde in the form of the drug "Saydeks" is in the UK.

The therapeutic effect of the drug

"Saidex" is a chemical preparation based on glutaraldehyde and possesses high sporicidal and bactericidal properties that allow to 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" containing 2.5% glutaraldehyde affect not only the aquatic environment and plants, but also the soil layer in the aquarium.

Effects on humans, 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, albeit relatively low.

Examining not only the annotation to the solutions, but also the feedback of the owners of the aquariums that regularly carry out disinfection with Sidex, it can be noted that if the instructions for the use of the drug and the dosage for a person are strictly followed, the substance is not dangerous, and on most plants it can even affect positively, speeding up Their growth.

Are there any negative reactions after the application of "SIDEEX"? Some reviews at special forums call the occurrence of allergic reactions in the form of a throat rash, a watery eye, a runny nose or asthmatic attacks in a person using the drug in an open tank, which is not covered with a lid. In most cases, this is due to the individual intolerance of the solution, which the manufacturer immediately warns in the instructions.

Some owners of aquariums noted in fish signs of oxygen starvation when using large doses of "Sidex". It is impossible to confirm for sure whether there is a correlation of these signs with the solution, but it is known that the symptoms have completely passed within 24 hours. Complaints about the negative impact of "Sydex" on snails or shrimp are not found.

Preparing to process the aquarium with the preparation "Saidex"

Before adding glutaraldehyde solution to the aquarium water, it is necessary to prepare the aquarium for treatment as follows:

• As thoroughly as possible to clean the filter and "prosifonit" aquarium water,

• Remove as much as possible of the higher plants affected by algae,

• Replace 50-70% of the water in the aquarium,

• Regulate the circulation of water, while minimizing the flow,

• Completely darken the aquarium, remove artificial lighting,

• To stop the supply of carbon dioxide to the aquatic environment.

Ignoring this stage of purification significantly reduces the effect of glutaraldehyde and (or) adversely affects the water properties and well-being of the aquarium inhabitants. Only after carrying out preparatory actions can you add the drug "Saidex".

Dosing and Administration

Important: "Saidex" must be used strictly in accordance with the instructions and accurately following the dosage to avoid negative effects 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 algae "Blackbeard" and the usual red and blue-green algae, filament and some other species.

For complete extinction of algae, it will take at least 1 month.

It is recommended to add "Saidex" to the aquarium in the morning, pouring in gradually and diluting the solution in one liter of water.

If the seaweed is severely affected, the first five or seven days of "Sydex" are added every day to water in the highest possible concentration at a rate of 25 ml per 100 liters of water. Exceed this dosage is strictly prohibited! When applying a high dose of aeration is recommended to increase.

During this period the aquarium needs careful care and observation. After withering, the algae must be collected from the surface of the soil. The filter must be rinsed 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 beginning of disinfection, it is recommended to update the water, replacing about 20-30% of it.

Further, the remaining month "Sydex" is added every day at a rate of 20 ml per 100 liters. During this time the algae will finally perish.

To fix the result, the drug can be added every other day, at a dosage of 15 ml per 100 liters.

It is allowed to use the preparation "Saidex" as a prophylaxis and disinfection for new aquarium plants. To do this, dilute in a separate container in 1 liter of water 1-3 ml of the substance. In this solution, the plants should be gently rinsed for 3-5 minutes.

Precautionary measures

• It is necessary to observe the storage conditions of "Sidex": store in tightly closed containers, in a place inaccessible to children and pets. Storage temperature - no more than 25 degrees. Shelf life is 2 years, after the expiry of this period, it is unsafe to use "Saidex".

• When using glutaraldehyde and the preparation "Saidex" it is necessary to use rubber gloves and, if possible, protect the respiratory tract with a respirator or medical dressing.

• Do not let Sydex fall on your skin and eyes. Do not inhale the drug! In case of accidental exposure, 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 "Saidex" in the aquarium water, close the aquarium tightly with a lid. If possible, regularly ventilate the room in which the aquarium is located.