Formalin

[gentlefish]

I have been advised to the use of routine formalin use as infection prevention by an out of town LFS, but Formaldehyde is an acknowledged human carcinogen. Widely used in cell fixation. It rapidly penetrates cells to cross link amino acids.
Short term use is proposed for external pathogens, but flow through the gills seems unavoidable.
Can anyone with long term reefing experience chime in to observed long term survival of fish after therapy?
Should one avoid such treated fish?

 

[Andrew Zimmerman]

I have used it as a preventitive dip before I put fish into my tank. I have never had an issue and some of my fish are over 10 years old.

 

[gentlefish]

I have used it as a preventitive dip before I put fish into my tank. I have never had an issue and some of my fish are over 10 years old.

That would be rather reassuring. Thanks! Any negatives you came across?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I have been advised to the use of routine formalin use as infection prevention by an out of town LFS, but Formaldehyde is an acknowledged human carcinogen. Widely used in cell fixation. It rapidly penetrates cells to cross link amino acids.
Short term use is proposed for external pathogens, but flow through the gills seems unavoidable.
Can anyone with long term reefing experience chime in to observed long term survival of fish after therapy?
Should one avoid such treated fish?

Obviously take care to use PPE when isn’t formalin. Other than acute issues from accidental over dosing, I have never seen chronic issues with formalin use, tens

 

[Andrew Zimmerman]

I have never had any negative outcomes. I use a product called safety stop. It is a 2 part dip. One part is formalin the other part is Methylene Blue. It is a little scary at first mostly because the dip turns the water a dark blue, but it does work. I have had zero fish diseases.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Formalin in the hobby is 37% formaldehyde
The safest products I know of is API general cure and also Ruby Rally pro which both contain formalin

 

[gentlefish]

Formalin in the hobby is 37% formaldehyde
The safest products I know of is API general cure and also Ruby Rally pro which both contain formalin

Excellent feedback and support of the product... (guess I could have bought that fish, I did shy away from due to formalin exposure).