Using Chloroquine Phosphate

[ReefHog]

I have used CP three times successfully for quarantine. I confirmed by observing with black molly in established tank for 14 days after quarantine period. My method is a 10 gal QT dosed to 50 mg/gal with 25% water changes every third day using pre-dosed change water for 14 days. Then into sterile QT for 14 days w/ prazi/antibiotics if needed followed by observation with molly for 14 days.

The CP I am using is prescription grade from Diamondback Drugs. I order 10g. at a time which is supplied in (10) 1000mg packets. (very convenient) I mix up a 20 gallon tank dosed with one 1000mg packet of CP which gives me my 50mg/gal QT water. I then use half of that for the 10 gal QT which leaves me with four 2.5 gallon water changes left.

Sooooo, my question is can I use a highly concentrated batch of CP instead of the 20 gallons so I don't have to maintain the 20 gal? I was thinking a gallon dosed with the 1000mg packet. Then I would add 4 pints of dosed water to the 10 gallon QT to start and then add 1 pint every 3rd day to 2.5 gallons for the water changes. Does this make since?

 

[Hitman]

The only worry I would have with your plan is that CP seems to degrade fairly quick so if you haven't used it within a week my understanding is it's lost its potency and if any light has shined on it it's lost even more.
Let's see if we can get one of the pros on this.
@HotRocks @4FordFamily @Humblefish

 

[ReefHog]

The only worry I would have with your plan is that CP seems to degrade fairly quick so if you haven't used it within a week my understanding is it's lost its potency and if any light has shined on it it's lost even more.
Let's see if we can get one of the pros on this.
@HotRocks @4FordFamily @Humblefish

I would hope that's not the case. I was under the assumption that it is the bio filter/film that can adsorb CP. That's why I change 25% every third day. Well that and to help keep ammonia in check. And I always start with a sterile QT filter and biospira with sponge filter. As far as light goes, I've read that that is mostly for the powder. Still, I just use ambient light for QT just in case. The 20gal storage I am currently using is an empty glass aquarium & heater with no light. Unless it gets adsorbed into the air, (possible i guess) I would think it would be ok for the two weeks it's in there. I've thought about ditching the sponge filter and changing 25% of the water every other day for ammonia control. Cost would be about the same as the extra CP and salt would be offset by not buying biospira. Then the pre-dosed water would only be around for a week. I would still like to use a concentrated container in place of the 20 gal aquarium though due to space concerns. I would use a glass gallon container kept in a dark cabinet.

 

[4FordFamily]

The only worry I would have with your plan is that CP seems to degrade fairly quick so if you haven't used it within a week my understanding is it's lost its potency and if any light has shined on it it's lost even more.
Let's see if we can get one of the pros on this.
@HotRocks @4FordFamily @Humblefish

There is a lot of studying being done, Humblefish has sent some samples in to show degrading but we don’t know exactly how much yet. We always reset QT water and re-dose CP. This is not only because of degradation during treatment, but established biofilter seem to impact CP more than light and metabolizing — but of course that depends on the number of fish in the tank and again there are many unknowns. When changing water, re-dose at full strength the replaced water. In many cases where a QT was “reset” between uses this should be sufficient.

 

[ReefHog]

Aside from the degrading in QT over time, I would like to make a gallon of salt water dosed with 1000 mg of CP and use that to dose the initial QT water and subsequent water change water (before replacing of coarse) Any thoughts on that as long as it is measured out properly. I would think I should stir/mix it before adding. @Humblefish

 

[Millimylilly]

Following along, just ordered CP from wedge wood pet. Can cleaner shrimp and/or anemones tolerate CP? I will be treating my stingray

 

[Manthanol]

I personally would avoid pre mixing CP to use at a later time. Even if it is kept in a dark container it would degrade in water due to hydrolysis I believe (gosh chem 101 was sooo long ago). Just my 2 cents, hope it works out for you.