What an oxidizer is used for in the aquarium
With an oxidizer, the oxygen content in the aquarium can be increased without changing the pH value.
If you already have a good diaphragm pump, ventilation is easier and cheaper. Even if the pH value increases by a few tenths. The air of an inhabited room has a relatively high CO2 content, so that the expulsion of CO2 is limited.
An oxidizer produces oxygen from hydrogen peroxide. The amount of oxygen generated is small compared to other methods, e.g. B. Plants, air vents or water movement on the surface. An oxidizer always releases the same amount of oxygen, regardless of need.
Practically all substances in the aquarium that can oxidize are oxidized. This includes nutrients for the plants. Plants often grow very well at first and later growth stagnates unless counteracted by increased fertilization. Some plants, such as giant vallisneria, can die. Particularly slender plants can literally fall apart.
The mucous membranes and gills of the fish can be attacked and damaged. There are currently no concrete reports of damage to fish.
In tanks without plants and with a dense stock of fish, oxidizers are often used with good experience. The bacterial load in the water is reduced and some ectoparasites and Ichthyo hawkmoths are partially killed. Algae spores are also destroyed.
Oxydators are sometimes used in the rearing of juvenile fish. Because young fish in particular are sensitive, the procedure is controversial.
It makes more sense to change the water more often. The water quality in heavily populated rearing tanks improves because experience has shown that oxidation leads to a rapid reduction in nitrite levels. But such a situation should be avoided preventively by changing the water.
If an oxidizer breaks down, e.g. If a tear occurs in the outer shell, for example, the aquarium can tip over completely within a few hours.
The effect of hydrogen peroxide is highly dependent on the concentration. 30 – 40 Solution for disinfecting wounds, 6% solution kills algae and bacteria.
Further arguments for oxidizers:
- In contrast to an air stone, an oxidizer does not expel the carbon dioxide or only insignificantly.
- An air stone enriches the water only slightly with oxygen because it evaporates very quickly. Unlike the oxidizer.
- In contrast to an air vent, the Oxydator works silently and without electricity.
- The activated oxygen oxidizes harmful intermediates such as nitrite and hydrocarbon to nitrate, water and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is then again positive for plant growth.
- Activated oxygen increases the redox potential of the water and should work against algae.
Further arguments against oxidizers:
- Field reports show that oxidants can even promote algae.
- The water, which is strongly enriched with oxygen, impairs denitrification or makes it impossible, since an oxygen-poor environment has to be created for this filtering.
The use of an oxidizer should also be considered because continuous operation is expensive. Consumption varies depending on the temperature of the water and the number of catalysts.
For a short-term improvement of the water quality, e.g. B. from heavily stocked rearing tanks, the Oxydator has proven itself in some cases.
Basically, however, conditions should be created for the fish that make the use of an oxidizer superfluous. A well thought out and functioning aquarium can do without an oxidizer.
How an oxidizer works
An oxidizer consists of a plastic bottle filled with hydrogen peroxide H2O2. The bottle is upside down in a ceramic pot. The bottle is weighted to prevent it from floating up.
Inside the bottle is a small ceramic catalyst. A small amount of H2O2 breaks down into water H20 and oxygen O2. The oxygen collects at the bottom of the bottle and slowly pushes the H2O2 out of the bottom of the bottle.
The H2O2 flows past the catalytically active ceramic pot wall and decomposes there into water and a so-called free radical oxygen atom 1/2O.
This forms a stable chemical compound again as quickly as possible and oxidizes organic and inorganic compounds in the process. In addition, mucous membranes are damaged. Some of the free oxygen radicals also find each other and form molecular oxygen O2. However, the amount of oxygen produced is very small, especially compared to the side effects.
The dosing bottle is filled with hydrogen peroxide at regular intervals.
With an Oxydator Model A for pools up to approx. 400 liters, one liter of 6% hydrogen peroxide is sufficient for about 4 fillings. Experience has shown that a filling lasts 10 days.
A liter of 30% H2O2 costs a similar amount. It can be diluted to 6% with distilled water or reverse osmosis water. 30% H2O2 is corrosive. The precautionary measures when handling chemicals must be observed. Rubber gloves and goggles must be used. It is best to work on a sink where minor accidents will not cause any damage. If you are not competent, get the appropriate help.