carlfike
Active Member
After having problems with algae for a while I stumbled upon some information about using hydrogen peroxide as a tool to help eliminate it.
I thought that I should write up a nice post as a guide and to share my experience.
Hydrogen peroxide (h2o2) is basically water with an extra oxygen atom. Hence the bubble we normally associate with it.
There are a couple effective ways to use it that I will go over here. Remember though its only a tool. Finding the root cause of the algae an eliminating it will ensure that you don't continue to have outbreaks. In my case the dry rock I used to build the tank was leaching phosphate and silicate.
The peroxide used for my tests was the 3% stuff readily available at any Walgreens, Walmart, grocery store. DO Not use the higher concentration lab grade peroxide.
Using h2o2 as a dip:
When purchasing live rock or coral frag more often than not there is some form of algae present. Using a dip of hydrogen peroxide solution can eliminate it before the items are added to the tank.
Using Rodi water or fresh mixed saltwater a dilution of up to 25% peroxide can be used. 15-30 minute dips, no longer than 30 at higher % mixes. The algae on the rock will begin to bubble much like the peroxide does when used on a wound.
A word of caution some sps corals will lose some color during this but they do rebound quickly once added to the tank. I have observed no ill effects on any zoas, mushrooms, or Lps.
Using h2o2 as a spot treatment:
For instances where the coral or rock can not be removed from the tank, drain the water level down to expose the items to be treated. Mix up your 25% solution and using a turkey baster or syringe bath the algae for 3-5 mins. Refill the tank. After this the algae will begin to turn a light brown and should also bubble slightly and within a day or so will die.
H2o2 as a whole tank treatment:
In my case a whole tank treatment was required. When treating your whole tank add 1-1.5ml of peroxide per 10g of water. This can added directly to a high flow in the sump. This treatment should be used no longer than 7 days at a time with a 7 days period in between treatment. The algae should cease growing begin to recede by day 2-3. Also during the treatment manually remove as much as possible daily and run filter socks to avoid releasing the bound up nutrients in the algae back into the system. I also ran carbon during the treatment.
Why does peroxide work as an effective algae treatment? Glad you asked. The peroxide will increase the redox potential of the water in the aquarium. It basically overloads the photosynthetic process of the algae and breaks down very quickly into water and oxygen. This works on just about any type of algae. I've also noticed in my experiment that my cheato was not effected.
By far the most effective method is spot treating along with manual removal.
I plan on adding some pictures of the processes in the near future.
Please feel free to ask questions and I'll do my best to answer them.
Remember though hydrogen peroxide is a tool. It does not replace proper maintenance and water changes.
Thanks for reading.
I thought that I should write up a nice post as a guide and to share my experience.
Hydrogen peroxide (h2o2) is basically water with an extra oxygen atom. Hence the bubble we normally associate with it.
There are a couple effective ways to use it that I will go over here. Remember though its only a tool. Finding the root cause of the algae an eliminating it will ensure that you don't continue to have outbreaks. In my case the dry rock I used to build the tank was leaching phosphate and silicate.
The peroxide used for my tests was the 3% stuff readily available at any Walgreens, Walmart, grocery store. DO Not use the higher concentration lab grade peroxide.
Using h2o2 as a dip:
When purchasing live rock or coral frag more often than not there is some form of algae present. Using a dip of hydrogen peroxide solution can eliminate it before the items are added to the tank.
Using Rodi water or fresh mixed saltwater a dilution of up to 25% peroxide can be used. 15-30 minute dips, no longer than 30 at higher % mixes. The algae on the rock will begin to bubble much like the peroxide does when used on a wound.
A word of caution some sps corals will lose some color during this but they do rebound quickly once added to the tank. I have observed no ill effects on any zoas, mushrooms, or Lps.
Using h2o2 as a spot treatment:
For instances where the coral or rock can not be removed from the tank, drain the water level down to expose the items to be treated. Mix up your 25% solution and using a turkey baster or syringe bath the algae for 3-5 mins. Refill the tank. After this the algae will begin to turn a light brown and should also bubble slightly and within a day or so will die.
H2o2 as a whole tank treatment:
In my case a whole tank treatment was required. When treating your whole tank add 1-1.5ml of peroxide per 10g of water. This can added directly to a high flow in the sump. This treatment should be used no longer than 7 days at a time with a 7 days period in between treatment. The algae should cease growing begin to recede by day 2-3. Also during the treatment manually remove as much as possible daily and run filter socks to avoid releasing the bound up nutrients in the algae back into the system. I also ran carbon during the treatment.
Why does peroxide work as an effective algae treatment? Glad you asked. The peroxide will increase the redox potential of the water in the aquarium. It basically overloads the photosynthetic process of the algae and breaks down very quickly into water and oxygen. This works on just about any type of algae. I've also noticed in my experiment that my cheato was not effected.
By far the most effective method is spot treating along with manual removal.
I plan on adding some pictures of the processes in the near future.
Please feel free to ask questions and I'll do my best to answer them.
Remember though hydrogen peroxide is a tool. It does not replace proper maintenance and water changes.
Thanks for reading.
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