Why can't I find formalin for sale?

[reef wrangler]

I'm trying to build a stock of medications in the event my fish get sick. I can't seem to find formalin anywhere. Do people just buy formaldehyde and dilute it or ???

 

[Spieg]

Pretty nasty stuff, I'd opt for ParaGuard or PraziPro instead.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I'm trying to build a stock of medications in the event my fish get sick. I can't seem to find formalin anywhere. Do people just buy formaldehyde and dilute it or ???

Formaldehyde is a gas, formalin in that gas dissolved in water, with methanol added to stabilize it. Full strength formalin is 37% formaldehyde gas. As said, nasty stuff, store it safely. The amount of methanol used is critical, I like to see it less than 10%, but it is usually 15%. If the formalin is old, or gets cold, a white precipitate forms, called paraformaldehyde that is toxic to fish. I buy it by the gallon from Pentaire aquatic ecosystems, not sure about smaller quantities
.
Jay

 

[MaroonLightning]

Rid-Ich Plus is 4.26% Formaldehyde (11.52% formalin). It is VERY effective if you follow the instructions carefully. I saved 2 of my clowns from Brooklynella with this stuff! Good for treating many other diseases too.

Search for "Kordon Rid Ich Plus #37656 - 16oz." on Amazon

 

[reef wrangler]

Formaldehyde is a gas, formalin in that gas dissolved in water, with methanol added to stabilize it. Full strength formalin is 37% formaldehyde gas. As said, nasty stuff, store it safely. The amount of methanol used is critical, I like to see it less than 10%, but it is usually 15%. If the formalin is old, or gets cold, a white precipitate forms, called paraformaldehyde that is toxic to fish. I buy it by the gallon from Pentaire aquatic ecosystems, not sure about smaller quantities
.
Jay

Thank you!

 

[reef wrangler]

Rid-Ich Plus is 4.26% Formaldehyde (11.52% formalin). It is VERY effective if you follow the instructions carefully. I saved 2 of my clowns from Brooklynella with this stuff! Good for treating many other diseases too.

Search for "Kordon Rid Ich Plus #37656 - 16oz." on Amazon

Thanks!