Potassium permanganate is primarily used to disinfect aquariums and aquarium accessories. It can also be used to disinfect aquarium plants. Potassium permanganate can be used for bacterial infections and external parasites. Potassium permanganate should not be added directly to an aquarium stocked with fish. It must be previously dissolved in water and slowly add this solution to the aquarium. However, the so-called manganese dioxide, which consists of manganese oxide, is very stubborn and can stay on panes and decorative objects for a long time.
Potassium permanganate decomposes severely in the presence of light and organic matter, so the effect can vary greatly. However, re-dosing based on the discoloration is relatively easy.
Potassium permanganate oxidizes organic matter. If the concentration is too high, the mucous membranes of fish can be attacked. At high pH levels, manganese oxide can precipitate in the fish’s gills and cause suffocation.
Potassium permanganate can only be recommended to a limited extent for the treatment of diseased fish. The dose necessary against parasites is close to the dose dangerous for fish. As a rule, therefore, other means are preferable. However, it can be useful for fish infested with lice.
Area of application Symptoms
Field of application diseases
dosages
- 10 to 20 mg/liter for a 30 minute bath for lice infestation
- 10 mg/liter over 10 minutes to disinfect plants
- fungal wounds can be dabbed directly with a solution of 1 g/litre.
- To disinfect aquariums, the tank is filled to the brim with water. Accessories to be disinfected can be placed in the basin. Potassium permanganate is filled in until the water has turned a strong violet colour. The filter can run without filter material. After 3 days, the aquarium is rinsed out until no more color is visible.
Disadvantages
- Strongly colors the water
- Decomposes on exposure to light
- The dosage depends on how much organic matter is present in the aquarium, because organic matter degrades potassium permanganate.
- Some species of fish are sensitive to potassium permanganate, especially at high pH levels.
Miscellaneous
Potassium permanganate should be applied in the dark as it is decomposed by light.
Stains on clothing may be removed with a reducing agent, e.g. B. be removed with a hot solution of vitamin C, because manganese II is almost colorless. Then you have to wash it well so that the stains don’t come back.