Experienced aquarists use various drugs to maintain the internal microflora in their aquarium. And the problem of the appearance of excess algae is relevant for each owner of exotic fish. This phenomenon in the aquarium indicates a violation of the balance of biological metabolism and can happen to anyone, even the most experienced aquarist.
To restore the habitat of fish and animals from the aquarium, without removing existing beneficial aquatic plants, you must use a special disinfectant. One of these is Sidex. Instructions for use of the drug contain detailed information on the rules and regulations for use.
What is Sidex?
Sidex is a chemical compound whose main component is glutaraldehyde. It is a yellow liquid with a characteristic odor. It will tell you how to use Sidex correctly, instructions for use: sterilization of endoscopes of flexible and rigid surgical instruments, as well as disinfection of rooms, involves the use of the drug. There are two types of product on the disinfectant market - Sidex and Sidex OPA. Instructions for use of the first option provides for the use of a powder activator. It is added to the liquid before use. While Sidex OPA is a liquid with the active substance orthophthalic aldehyde. But most often, liquid with an activator is used.
Also, Sidex disinfect rooms where pets and livestock are kept. In agriculture, it is widely used as a drug to combat viral diseases (anthrax, African plague, foot and mouth disease, brucellosis and others). All this information contains instructions for use. Sidex has a persistent effect on spores, bacteria and viruses. In aquarium, the product is used without adding an activator, that is, only liquid without impurities. Prepare a working solution of not more than 2-3% strength, since in large doses, Sidex is toxic, and in low concentrations it does not adversely affect the inhabitants and the environment in the aquarium. In water, the product is susceptible to oxidation, forms glutaric acid and decomposes into two components - water and carbon dioxide.
Operating principle
The result of Sidex's action is water disinfection. That is, the drug, getting into the environment of the aquarium, has a detrimental effect on many harmful algae, which eventually die and decompose.
It will tell you how to use Sidex, the instructions for use. For the aquarium as a system, the drug is harmless and affects only some types of algae.
Preliminary preparation for use
Each aquarist should be able to handle disinfectants and know the rules for working with them. Not only the health and life of all the inhabitants of the aquarium, but also the owner and his environment depends on this.
Before making Sidex into the environment of the aquarium, it is necessary to perform a number of operations:
- mechanically eliminate the maximum number of plants overgrown with leaves;
- clean the filter and siphon the water in the aquarium;
- change water by 30-40%;
- reduce the flow rate of water.
Now you can pour in "Sidex".
Aquarium use
As a rule, a detailed briefing on how to use the drug contains instructions for use. Sidex is introduced into the infected aquarium according to a special schedule.
In case of severe damage to the aquarium with a "black beard", 0.25 grams of Sidex should be applied every day for every 100 liters of water.
If a large number of dead algae is found in the first days of use, they should be collected from the ground and the filter thoroughly rinsed. On the third day, it is necessary to replace water by 20-30%.
With each subsequent day, the dosage is reduced by 0.05 grams for every 100 liters. Such a schedule must be maintained until the "black beard" turns into small black dots. Detailed information on cleaning the aquarium and the exact dosage contains instructions for use. Sidex eliminates harmful algae from the aquarium in the second week of use.
Dosage
As a rule, when disinfection is not recommended to experiment with the dosage of drugs. But in the case of Sidex this is possible. Information on how to eliminate starvation of plants by carbon dioxide contains instructions for use. Sidex must be added at a minimum dosage of 0.03-0.05 mg per 100 liters of water. Such a volume of funds during daily use will remove excess algae (the most painful), providing healthy shoots with the necessary CO 2 . If it is necessary to disinfect the aquarium from which all the inhabitants have been removed, then the dosage of the drug can reach 0.4 mg per 100 liters. In greater concentration, bacteria from the biological environment will die. The maximum allowable dose of a solution for treating an aquarium with fish and underwater inhabitants is 0.2 mg per 100 liters.
Precautions for use
Using the drug "Sidex", you must adhere to safety rules. When working with a liquid, it is necessary to ensure access of fresh air to the room. Avoid contact with skin, mucous membranes of the eyes, use gloves and goggles. It is also forbidden to allow people with individual intolerance and hypersensitivity to chemicals to work with the drug. Storage of Sidex should be carried out in a dark place, away from drugs and in places inaccessible to children.