Advanced Search

Library > Diseases and Medications > The Medicine Cabinet > Use of PP to Control External Infections of Ornamental Fish
		Use of Potassium Permanganate to Control External Infections of Ornamental Fish
		Page 2 of 5	Pages: 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5
		Because potassium permanganate is deactivated by organic matter, it may be necessary to increase the amount added to ponds or other systems where organic material has been allowed to accumulate. A safe way of accomplishing this is to add potassium permanganate to the system in 2 mg/L increments. If water color changes from purple to brown in less than 4 hours from the start of the first treatment, an additional 2 mg/L should be added. If a total application of 6 mg/L potassium permanganate does not result in maintenance of the purple color for at least four hours, the system really should be cleaned. Most of the organisms that are treated with potassium permanganate thrive in an organically rich environment, and therefore improved sanitation can have a tremendous impact on treatment efficacy. Potassium permanganate can also be used as a short-term bath at concentrations of 10 mg/L for 30 minutes. At this concentration, careful observation of fish is mandatory to avoid mortality. This is a convenient treatment when fish are being removed from ponds and brought into buildings for sorting and shipping. Following a potassium permanganate treatment with a low concentration (0.02-1.0%) of salt (sodium chloride) as a semipermanent treatment for several days or weeks (depending on species treated), can be beneficial. This combination is particularly effective in minimizing Columnaris infections after handling fish. Potassium permanganate can be used as a surface disinfectant at concentrations of 10 (30-60 minutes contact time) to 500 mg/L (30 seconds contact time) in a fish room or hatchery, however, quaternary ammonium compounds are better suited to this purpose. Potassium permanganate will kill bacterial, fungal and many parasitic agents, but it is not viricidal. Frequency of Treatment As mentioned above, potassium permanganate is an indiscriminate oxidizer, and as such, can burn gill tissue and mucus of treated fish if too much chemical is applied. A good rule of thumb to prevent excessive damage to fish is to avoid treating them with potassium permanganate more often than once a week. If a chemical treatment is needed for a condition that requires more frequent application, such as treatment for an outbreak of "Ich" ( Ichthyopthirius multifilis, see IFASExtension Circular 920 ), potassium permanganate is not a good choice. more ...

	About Us :: Message Board :: Chat
	Library :: Photo Gallery :: Links & Resources :: Breeders & Sponsors :: Merchandise
	Website designed by: EthanCote.com		� 2001-2004, SimplyDiscus.com. All Rights Reserved.