Formalin...Long term effects

[JohnPeck]

I've seen many well-respected aquarists recommend a formalin bath. I've also read that most fish that have been treated with formalin don't last more than 2 to 3 years. Can anyone tell me their experiences and maybe how long their fish have lived after formalin?

 

[melypr1985]

I can tell you that formalin should be left to a last resort. It is a carcinogen and should be handled with extreme care. I wouldn't be surprised with excess exposure causing damage to internal organs or other trouble inside a fish where we can't see it.

 

[Humblefish]

I can tell you that formalin should be left to a last resort. It is a carcinogen and should be handled with extreme care. I wouldn't be surprised with excess exposure causing damage to internal organs or other trouble inside a fish where we can't see it.

^^ This; in addition to being potentially dangerous to the fish, you should also consider your own health/safety when handling formalin. I recommend eye protection, a surgical mask to avoid breathing in the fumes, and using latex, nitrile or rubber gloves to protect your hands/arms.

 

[JohnPeck]

Is it safe to say that enough clownfish have tendencies towards Brook that they should be treated for Brook before entering the DT. If so would you give all clownfish a formalin bath? If formalin will kill most fish in 3 years, isn't this kind of pointless?

 

[Cment]

CP also works for brook. Its not as easy to obtain as other meds but well worth it and a lot less harmful than formalin leading to a long heathy and happy life....

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/chloroquine-phosphate.192309/

 

[Paul B]

^^ This; in addition to being potentially dangerous to the fish, you should also consider your own health/safety when handling formalin. I recommend eye protection, a surgical mask to avoid breathing in the fumes, and using latex, nitrile or rubber gloves to protect your hands/arms.

Maybe a Hazmat suit also.

I generally don't dip anything in anything but centuries ago I used to keep my fish in a concoction of copper and formalin almost continuously because I was rather stupid then and didn't understand a fishes immune system (But neither did anyone else) I do remember my fish living quite a long time though. My hippo tang lived about 10 years and a percula clown lived 12 years. Blue devils lasted seven. But I wasn't dipping them and I am not sure what the percentage of formalin is in this stuff which I still have for nostalgic reasons so I couldn't say how or if formalin causes anything. It could, I would be guessing.

 

[tastyfish]

Is acriflavine a good enough replacement for formalin? I've held off buying a dedicated formalin product due to the health issues (me rather than fish).

 

[Humblefish]

Is acriflavine a good enough replacement for formalin? I've held off buying a dedicated formalin product due to the health issues (me rather than fish).

It is a great antiseptic for treating bacterial infections (used as a 90 min bath treatment). And there is some anecdotal evidence that one 90 min bath will also sometimes clear brook, but I would still followup with metro dosed into a QT: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/metronidazole.298762/

In short, I do not feel it is as potent as using formalin. But it is a lot safer. Pros & cons...

 

[puffy127]

Formalin dips were all the rage over on RC a few years ago (Their forum has really died down, so it's hard to tell if they are still recommending it). I remember reading (but can't find it now edit-see below) that it was used at Waikiki Aquarium - they would do formalin dips in between each transfer during TTM. But most of the RC members were just doing one initial formalin dip followed by TTM. I also did this with many of my fish which are over 2 years old, some nearing 3. Where are you reading that they die within 2-3 years? Is that just from one 45-minute dip? Or from prolonged exposure? Formalin use is pretty standard in aquaculture, so I'm surprised to hear of fish dying within 2-3 years. And I would be surprised that Waikiki Aquarium would be doing all those dips if that were the case.

Edit:
Found where I read about it:
(paka is Karen Brittain's RC username)
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=21768530&postcount=348
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=23560586&postcount=21

More on using formalin dips on peppermint angels, captive bred bandits, and other rare fish. I doubt they would do this if they only lasted 2-3 years:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=22002107&postcount=2000
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=21831136&postcount=433
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=24063663&postcount=32
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=24284649&postcount=39