Formalin and health

[coralreefer123]

Hi,

I may start to use formalin 37% to qt. new fishes coming in however, as we know, it is a carcinogen and can be bad to breath, touch etc. If I use it in the qt. tank itself do I need to wear a mask or eye protection when I go into that room? Are the vapors or the qt water considered hazardous to people? Or only the concentrated formalin itself?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hi,

I may start to use formalin 37% to qt. new fishes coming in however, as we know, it is a carcinogen and can be bad to breath, touch etc. If I use it in the qt. tank itself do I need to wear a mask or eye protection when I go into that room? Are the vapors or the qt water considered hazardous to people? Or only the concentrated formalin itself?

In prepping/diluting it, I would assume some risk is airborne. It has a short shelf life once opened of a few months and should be mixed with 10 percent methanol using aquacultured approved type of formalin which is lower risk but still take precautions.
Once used in the tank, adding aeration with air stone is essential

 

[MnFish1]

In prepping/diluting it, I would assume some risk is airborne. It has a short shelf life once opened of a few months and should be mixed with 10 percent methanol using aquacultured approved type of formalin which is lower risk but still take precautions.
Once used in the tank, adding aeration with air stone is essential

can you explain this methanol is also toxic - was not sure what you meant. to the op - I would not usr formaldehyde as an initial qt

 

[vetteguy53081]

can you explain this methanol is also toxic - was not sure what you meant. to the op - I would not usr formaldehyde as an initial qt

At a seminar a year ago, it was noted as you know formalin is made of approximately 37% formaldehyde gas saturated in water becoming 100% active ingredient formalin. Formalin solutions for use on fish contain 10 percent methanol forming aquarium use formaldehyde.

 

[MnFish1]

At a seminar a year ago, it was noted as you know formalin is made of approximately 37% formaldehyde gas saturated in water becoming 100% active ingredient formalin. Formalin solutions for use on fish contain 10 percent methanol forming aquarium use formaldehyde.

I did not know about methanol thanks!!

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Correct - formalin is formaldehyde gas in water, and the gas is unstable, so 10 to 15% methanol is added to stabilize it.

I have used formalin for decades, and I now regret it. Formalin de-gasses from aquariums into rooms, I would not use it indoors any longer, unless the room is vented to the outside. Undiluted, you need proper PPE.

There are many other better choices for quarantining fish. The only disease I don't have a good alternative to formalin for is Brooklynella on clownfish.

Here is our current quarantine protocol:

Current Quarantine Protocol

2024 Quarantine Procedures Jay Hemdal David Scarborough Protozoans (Cryptocaryon/ich, Amyloodinium/velvet) and Metazoan trematodes/flukes are by far the most common parasites found on newly acquired fish. A carefully managed, proactive quarantine process can effectively eliminate these...

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Jay