Use of glutaraldehyde. Composition and application

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-01 17:06

It is believed that aquarium fish are the kind of pets that do not cause too much trouble. It is difficult to judge how true this statement is. However, to fully care for the aquarium, it is not enough to install a good filter, lighting and do not forget to add food to the fish.

One of the problems for the aquarist is the algae that can appear in the aquarium. Beginners and experienced aquarists alike know the negative impact that seemingly harmless algae can have.

A layer of them on the inner surface of the walls makes it difficult for the light to penetrate, which is necessary for higher aquarium plants. Algae negatively affect the physical and chemical composition of water, release toxins and spoil the appearance.

There are few ways to combat 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 - snails, catfish - into the aquarium ecosystem. Such funds have already been tested, but do not always give the desired effect. Often, an additional chemical agent designed to combat algae is indispensable.

For effective destruction of vegetation without harm toother aquarium residents are often recommended to use products based on glutaraldehyde.

Glutaraldehyde - what is it?

Externally, glutaraldehyde, also known as glutaric acid 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 devoid of hydrogen.

Properties of this substance:

• sterilizes and disinfects,
• dissolves well in water,
• capable of absorbing moisture in the air,
• has excellent biocidal properties, that is, it helps to destroy various microbes, fungal growths and algae.

Where and for what purpose is glutaraldehyde used

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

• for medical purposes: C₅H₈O_{2 (glutaraldehyde) replaces heat treatment for disinfection of medical equipment,}

• sanitary treatment of water for industrial purposes,
• when examining tissues using electromicroscopy, a drop of glutaraldehyde plays the role of a biotissue fixative,
• included in balsamic products,
• usedas a tannin for leather in the manufacture of leather goods,
• in agriculture: for disinfection of livestock buildings,
• in the pulp industry: to prevent slime formation in paper making,
• as a preservative in cosmetics,
• to kill 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.

Impact on algae

The main reason glutaraldehyde is used to suppress algae in an aquarium is because of its ability to eliminate harmful organisms in the aquatic environment while preserving fish and higher plants.

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

Sydex drug: composition

The most commonly used glutaraldehyde-containing chemical for aquarium algae is Cydex. 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 Cydex! It is unacceptable to confuse it with another remedy from the samecompany under the brand name Cidex OPA. In the Cidex solution, the active ingredient is precisely glutaraldehyde, the composition of the Cidex OPA preparation differs in that it uses a completely different active ingredient.

In addition, there is another well-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, alkyl polyethylene glycol ether, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, glutaraldehyde.

Issue form

What should an aquarium owner know who is planning to use glutaraldehyde for disinfection for the first time? Cydex is available as a "kit" consisting of a solution of glutaraldehyde (canister) and an activator powder, which is added to the solution for medical disinfection.

Important: you can not use the activated drug "Sydex" 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 Cydex

There are several companies producing glutaraldehyde and formulations (solutions) using it.

In particular, the Sidex disinfectant in question is produced by the American giant company Johnson & Johnson. The largest production of glutaraldehyde in the form of a drugSidex is based in the UK.

Therapeutic effect of the drug

"Sydex" - a chemical preparation based on glutaraldehyde - has high sporicidal and bactericidal properties, allowing 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 Cydex, which contains 2.5% glutaraldehyde, affect not only the aquatic environment and plants, but also the soil layer in the aquarium.

Impact on humans, higher aquarium plants and living organisms

Glutaraldehyde solution is often called a panacea for harmful algae. However, one of the properties of this substance is toxicity, even if relatively low.

Examining not only the annotation to the solutions, but also the reviews of aquarium owners who regularly disinfect with Sidex, it can be noted that if the instructions for using the drug are strictly followed and the dosage is observed for a person, the substance is not dangerous, but for most plants it can even influence positively, accelerating their growth.

Are there any negative reactions after using Sidex? Some reviews on special forums call the occurrence of allergic reactions in a person in the form of a sore throat, watery eyes, a runny nose or asthmatic attacks when using the drug in an open aquarium that is not covered with a lid. ATIn most cases, this is due to individual intolerance to the solution, which the manufacturer immediately warns about in the instructions.

Some aquarium owners have noted signs of oxygen starvation in fish when using large doses of Cydex. It is impossible to say for certain whether there is a relationship between these signs with the solution, but it is known that the symptoms disappeared without a trace during the day. There are no complaints about the negative impact of Sidex on snails or shrimps.

Preparation for aquarium treatment with Sidex

Before adding a glutaraldehyde solution to the aquarium water, you need to prepare the aquarium for treatment as follows:

• clean the filter as thoroughly as possible and “siphon” the aquarium water,
• remove as many higher plants affected by algae as possible
• replace 50-70% of aquarium water,
• adjust the circulation of water, reducing the current as much as possible,
• completely darken the aquarium, remove artificial lighting,
• stop the supply of carbon dioxide to the aquatic environment.

Ignoring this cleaning step will significantly reduce the effect of glutaraldehyde and/or will adversely affect the quality of the water and the well-being of the inhabitants of the aquarium. Only after completing the preparatory steps, you can add the drug "Sideks".

Method of application, dosage

Important: Sidex must be used in strict accordance withinstructions and strictly following the dosage in order to avoid a negative effect on the aquarium environment and an 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, threadworm and some other species.

It will take at least 1 month for the algae to completely disappear.

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

In case of severe algae infestation, the first five or seven days, "Sydex" is added to the water every day in the maximum possible concentration at the rate of 25 ml per 100 liters of water. It is strictly forbidden to exceed this dosage! When applying a high dose, aeration is recommended to be increased.

During this period, the aquarium needs careful care and supervision. After dying, the algae must be collected from the surface of the soil. The filter needs to be washed and cleaned again. This is done in order to protect the inhabitants of the aquarium from exposure to 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, changing about 20-30% of it.

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

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

The use of the drug "Sydex" is allowedas a preventative and disinfectant for new aquarium plants. To do this, dilute 1-3 ml of the substance in a separate container in 1 liter of water. Plants should be gently rinsed in this solution for 3-5 minutes.

Precautions

It is necessary to observe the conditions of storage of "Sydex": store in a tightly closed package, out of the reach of 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 Cydex, be sure to use rubber gloves and, if possible, protect the airways with a respirator or medical bandage

• Sydex 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 seek medical advice.
• Do not use the drug in the presence of allergic diseases or hypersensitivity to the components.
• After adding Cydex 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.