Sidex for an aquarium: features and instructions for use

Malicious small algae is familiar to most aquarists. Specialists know how to not just overcome this problem. Green vegetation around itself appears as if from nowhere and in a short time completely fills the aquarium. The result of uncontrolled reproduction is the release of toxic substances into the water, a decrease in the amount of oxygen, and a change in the water indices familiar to aquarium inhabitants. A special tool for the aquarium, Sidex, will help correct the situation.

The use of this drug is an extreme measure when propagating pathogenic algae in the aquarium. The simplest plants interfere with the comfortable existence of higher aquarium crops; they block access to vital light. With an increase in lower plants, toxic substances are released into the artificial reservoir, oxygen concentration decreases, and the chemical characteristics of water change.

To solve the problem, aquarists use scrapers, various means, and even living filters like aquarium catfish, but if algae continues to multiply and no aquatic creatures are visible on the walls of the aquarium, then Sidex will help to cope with the task.

This chemical product was created by an American company specifically to combat algae in domestic ponds, as well as to prevent this problem. It is a two-component disinfectant sold in liquid form. The product has a specific persistent aroma and yellowish color.

The main active ingredient is glutaraldehyde. The main purpose of the drug is Destruction of nitrite, black beard and other harmful algae. Sidex is put up for sale in cans, and a special powder for disinfection is also included in the kit.

If it enters the aquarium, the components of the preparation are divided into water and carbon dioxide. A large amount of carbon dioxide enters the liquid, a lot of alkali occurs. At this time, the aquarist may notice that the water has become cloudy significantly - this is due to the death of lower algae.

Under the influence of all these processes, spores of algae, pathogenic bacteria and viruses are destroyed.

The manufacturer does not recommend using the activator included in the kit to eliminate algae. If the drug is used as a preventive measure, then the recommended dosage is 5-7 ml per 100 liters of water. The tool in this case is used daily for 1.5–2 weeks. If the tank is already contaminated with algae, then for every 100 liters it is customary to use about 12 drops of the product. The substance is poured once a day for a week.

Even if the algae has grown abundantly and filled a larger volume of the artificial reservoir, do not exceed this rate. The effectiveness of the work does not increase the dosage, but it can negatively affect the composition of the water, and this will cause health problems for aquarium inhabitants. It is considered that fish can not be planted during the Sidex operation, but many experienced aquarists will still remove pets for the period of treatment of the aquarium.

When using the product, do not neglect personal protective measures. Be sure to put on gloves and a respirator. If the drug drips onto the skin or gets in your eyes, rinse it off immediately with water. In case of complications or an allergic reaction, consult your doctor. After each use, close the container tightly and ventilate the room.

You should familiarize yourself with the algorithm for using the drug.

1. Try to deposit in the morning. As already mentioned, during its decomposition, carbon dioxide is released, which plants need for photosynthesis. At night, the aquarium flora, on the contrary, needs oxygen. Therefore, the addition of the drug in the evening is undesirable for higher plants.
2. Before pouring the drug, prepare an aquarium for the procedure. Thoroughly clean the filter, remove algae from diseased plants, replace ½ volume of water with fresh water and check the operation of the circulation systems. Equipment should not create strong water movement. Turn off the backlight and shade the tank as much as possible, you can even cover all transparent walls with a blanket, turn off the aerator. All these measures will contribute to the fact that Sidex will do the maximum possible job without harming the fish.
3. If the aquarist accidentally exceeds the recommended dosage of the drug, then aeration of the artificial reservoir is required.
4. A day after the first portion of the substance, half the volume of water changes again, the dosage remains the same.
5. The algae that died in the first days should be removed so that their rotting residues do not begin to release toxic emissions into the water.
6. On the third day of treatment, you can change 20-30% of aquarium water. Be sure to clean the soil with a siphon, turn on the lighting - shading is necessary only in the first three days. These measures will save the aquarium from lower algae, while other plants will survive this time without any problems. Only tall plants can suffer from shading.
7. After the treatment week, the result needs to be fixed. So, before the final destruction of algae, add another 20 ml of the drug per 100 liters of water daily. When the organisms are eliminated, reduce the dosage to 15 ml per 1 liter of water.
8. At the final stage of treatment, experts advise adding micronutrients to the water that contribute to the good condition of plants subjected to chemical treatment. Sidex components destroy nitrogen compounds and phosphates that are essential for the ecosystem’s biological cycle. Therefore, it is important to improve the well-being of vegetation by additional means.
9. For greater effectiveness, some aquarists plant shrimp during the treatment of the aquarium. For example, red cherry and cardin love to feast on harmful algae, and their joint work with Sidex brings an even more successful result.

The tool is used not only for the destruction of lower algae. For example, it can be used when planting underwater and floating plants by soaking purchased specimens in solution in a separate container. Some experts also use the substance to treat aquarium inhabitants. The components of the product contribute to the elimination of bacteria and other pathogens that can become a source of dangerous diseases, which are prone to fish, shellfish, and crustaceans. In this case, the drug is introduced into the aquarium in small doses - 15–20 ml per 100 liters of water.

Occasionally, aquarists have noticed the harm that the drug can cause to living organisms. So, during treatment, the death of the tubule, which is food for fish, is possible. Inhabitants who tasted the dead pipe-maker also died. And also negatively affects some species of aquarium plants, therefore experts advise preventing the appearance of harmful algae - it is safer and easier than then entering the war against pathogenic vegetation.

To do this, in a separate container, a solution of 1-3 ml of the product is prepared per 1 liter of water. In the resulting compound, it is necessary to rinse all newly brought plants for planting in the home aquarium for several minutes. The following preventative measures will also help avoid the use of Sidex:

• compliance with the quarantine of new plant specimens;
• regular planting of crops to avoid infection;
• frequent water changes;
• regular filter cleaning.

In the next video, you can see the results of using Sidex in the aquarium for seven days.