Where to find formalin
 

I read on RC the tips on clownfish from a clownfish guru, he recommended a formalin dip before putting the clownfish into a quarantine tank, I am going to follow his quarantine procedure because he seems to be experienced and his advice makes sense.

Anyway does anyone know where to find formalin, the best I can find is some products (like Quick Cure) that include formalin as an ingredient. I read that formalin has been banned, not sure if that is true.

Why put the fish through that if they don't need it? :confused:

Used to be at big al's locally, check there online store.


Wendell

I was always able to get some at the vet. It was used in treating discus for gill flukes.

Emily,

The reason to put the fish through it according to the article I read is that clowns often carry Brooklynella (spelling?) and other types of parasites/organisms, the suggestion in the article for quarantining clowns was

1. Acclimate to tank water in a container
2. Formalin dip
3. Quarantine tank for 4 to 6 weeks
4. Hyposalinity during the quarantine period

I know this sounds like overkill and most people don't do this sort of treatment, but since I'm spending lots of money and time on my tank, I might as well do my quarantine right.

Anyway I know I am a noob to saltwater and you have more experience than I do but read the article on RC and see what you think about it.

I'm getting captive bred clowns which normally should not be a big worry for disease but the retailer told me he keeps the captive bred clowns in with the regular wild caught stock, so I'm taking no chances.

I should have expected a very scientific approach from a guy named trilinearmipmap I suppose.... :lol:

I thought those clownfish guys on RC normally only used their procedure on rare wild-caught animals (the ones that they pay several hundred dollars for). Are they using them on more common species?

Given that your LFS keeps the wild-caught fish with the captive-bred individuals though, it probably wouldn't hurt...

Well maybe I am getting carried away.

I'm just worried that once I introduce a disease or parasite into my reef tank it will be damn near impossible to eradicate it.

Maybe I should just go with a period of quarantine, hyposalinity and observation.

Not that this does you any good but I got mine from a pharmacy in cCloverdale that sells some pharmisuiticals for animals. If you do use it I was told that 1 cc per gallon of water with heavy airation for a max of 1 hour. The formilan eats up the oxygen so you need lots going in. The stuff I got is 37%. Hope thishelps.

Yeah I got the formalin 37% from my pharmacy, thanks.