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Re: Hydra



Jim Fong wrote:
> 
> I've got a minor hydra outbreak.  What are the most efffective ways to control
> it without destroying plants and fish?  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Besides stopping the feeding of live foods for a couple of weeks (100% effective
in tanks with little infusoria), the one that has worked the best for me is
formaldehyde. Using the 37% drug-store stuff, about 3-5 drops per 5G every other
day for at least three or four doses usually does it without harm to either fish
or plants.

It is absorbed quickly by plant debris, mops, filter floss, etc. so no carbon
filtering is needed to remove it. It only lasts for about 2 days in the tank,
before breaking down or being absorbed. The first treatment causes them to close
up for a while, but then to respread. The second and third are needed to be
lethal to them, and maybe even one more.

Eggs laid during that time may be toughened enough that they will not hatch
well. IDK. Formaldehyde is a tanning agent.

Wright

PS. The lfs formaldehyde, intended for aquaria, is so weak it usually is
worthless. When dilute, the shelf life seems to be really short. The 37% stuff
lasts until big white flakes start to precipitate (often years).
-- 
Wright Huntley, Fremont CA, USA, 510 494-8679  huntley1 at home dot com

                  Libertarians prefer to do it free! 
             http://www.self-gov.org/libertarianism.html
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