hydrogen peroxide dipping

[airedwin]

hi i have some algae on my sps at the base that is hard to get off with scrubbing, is it safe to dip and if so how much? i've seen conflicting info in my research

 

[Timfish]

Corals vary widely in their tolerance to being dipped with H2O2 which explains part of why you're seeing such varied recommendations. Some acros can be some of the more sensitive so you might try a conservative 8:1 aquarium water to H2O2. I would wait a week or more before trying it again. You might also try an intank treatment but it takes a steady hand not to hurt the coral. Use a syrenge with a long large bore needle, hold the end of the needle agains the base of the algae and GENTLY squirt a small amount, ~1ml, on the algae. Initially I'd wait a few days to see how things play out befre retreatment.

 

[airedwin]

Corals vary widely in their tolerance to being dipped with H2O2 which explains part of why you're seeing such varied recommendations. Some acros can be some of the more sensitive so you might try a conservative 8:1 aquarium water to H2O2. I would wait a week or more before trying it again. You might also try an intank treatment but it takes a steady hand not to hurt the coral. Use a syrenge with a long large bore needle, hold the end of the needle agains the base of the algae and GENTLY squirt a small amount, ~1ml, on the algae. Initially I'd wait a few days to see how things play out befre retreatment.

thanks, i'll just continue scrubbing then

 

[Dburr1014]

hi i have some algae on my sps at the base that is hard to get off with scrubbing, is it safe to dip and if so how much? i've seen conflicting info in my research

Some things you can also do.

Take the frag of the plug. Remount it and bleach the old plug for reuse.

Squirt h2o2 on a toothbrush and scrub with that. You can control it a whole lot better that way.

 

[ScottB]

If your tank is large enough, acquire some bristletooth tangs. Smaller? Some blennies (lawnmower or starry).

 

[SnownSky]

I've successfully used ReefStable.com's guidance. I set an iPhone timer to reduce my chances of getting distracted and forgetting about the coral.

How to Dip Coral with Hydrogen Peroxide​

Make sure to ONLY use the 3% hydrogen peroxide. While this is the most common, just double check the container to prevent killing coral.

1. WEAR PROTECTIVE GEAR SUCH AS RUBBER GLOVES, MASK, GOGGLES, AND WORK IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA. (General Care when working around any chemicals).
2. Fill 2 containers with aquarium water. One container that you plan to dip in with aquarium water, and one for rinsing the coral off after. (1/4 gallon to 1/2 gallon is usually enough)
3. Add hydrogen peroxide to the water in the dipping container. The amount to mix is a little tricky, but here is a quick reference for how much hydrogen peroxide to add depending on the coral type.
   • Acropora (tolerance varies by species), Montipora, Astreopora, Duncanopsammia, Turbinaria, Galaxia, Cyhpastrea, Alveopora, Hydnophora, Echinophyllia, Mycedium, Oxypora, Tubastrea
     • 20-40ml per 1/4 gallon
   • Pocillopora, Seriatopora, Stylophora, Caulastrea, Clavularia, Pachyclavularia, Sympodium, Cespitularia, Yellow Leathers, Pachyceris, Echinpora, Leptoseris, Pectinia, Psammacora
     • 50-70ml per 1/4 gallon
   • Porites, Xenia, Brown Leathers, Pavona, Fungiids, Heliofungia
     • 80-120ml per 1/4 gallon
   • Goniopora, Favia, Favites, Goniastrea, Platygyra, Leptastrea, Blastomussa, Cynarina, Physogyra, Plerogyra, Symphyllia, Sinularia, Corallimorpharian
     • 130-200ml per 1/4 gallon
   • Zoanthids, Palythoa, Scolymia, Acansthstrea, Micromussa, Lobophyllia, Euphyllia, Catalaphyllia, Trachyphyllia
     • 210-350ml per 1/4 gallon
   • Amounts provided courtesy of the Humble.fish Forums and are not "my" formula
4. Once the peroxide is in the dipping water, you can add the coral!
5. Let the coral sit in the hydrogen peroxide bath for no more than 5 minutes. You will notice fizzing. This is normal, but I was also really nervous watching that...
6. After the 5 minutes, rinse the coral in the second container. You can use a light amount of water from a turkey baster to get the hydrogen peroxide bubbles off the coral.
7. Dispose of the hydrogen peroxide bath. While likely not too harmful, you don't want to risk any unwanted bacteria hanging around.
8. Your coral is now ready to be placed in a coral quarantine or tank. You may especially consider quarantining the coral if you notice any pests that fell off the coral. Keep in mind that your coral may need a day or two to recover from being dipped.