Chloroquine phosphate absorption in calcareous substrates?

[foshizzle]

So far I really like a CP as a treatment for new fish in QT. Will rock and sand be contaminated by CP like a copper treatment?

I have a regal angel and CBB so I'd like to keep my QT as "natural" as possible with sand and rock.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I would not expect chloroquine to bind to calcium carbonate surfaces, and it also will not stay attached to the phosphate it comes in with when mixed into any type of salty water.

It may well bind to hydrophobic surfaces, from GAC to detritus to lipid membranes of organisms.

 

[foshizzle]

ok so I guess rock could be used again in a DT? Is PO4 bonding an issue to reusing the rock?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

ok so I guess could be used again in a DT? Is PO4 bonding an issue to reusing the rock?

I do not know if you can use it in a display. I'd ask in the fish disease forum. The released phosphate is no concern as it is very little.

 

[rkpetersen]

ok so I guess rock could be used again in a DT?

I don't think I would. CP may not bind to rocks, but small quantities could potentially remain in deep nooks and crannies, despite rinsing. CP is reported to be strongly algicidal, including potentially killing zooxanthellae required by corals. It might also kill some mobile inverts.

 

[The Reefing Scotsman]

Hi @Randy Holmes-Farley , I would be grateful if you could expand a bit with regard to the chemistry of what chloroquine is likely to bind to.

What is it about chloroquine that makes it likely to bind to hydrophobic surfaces? I assume this has to do with electronegativity? I'm afraid my chemistry is not up to understanding this on my own.

I am specifically interested with regard to polypropylene. I assume this material will have hydrophobic properties as it looks like a hydrocarbon. Would you therefore expect chloroquine to be adsorbed to it?

Thanks for your time.