Hydrogen Peroxide and Sodium Percarbonate - Use and dosing

Hydrogen Peroxide and Sodium Percarbonate - Use and dosing

Hey, how ya goin?

 

Good thanks.

I constantly get asked to help with dose rates for hydrogen peroxide and sodium percarbonate, calculating dose rates for them, how to dose them, when to dose them, why to dose them, what the potential downfalls are, Would you like a toasted cheese sandwich? (to which the obvious answer is yes, as long as there's mustard on it).

All the questions! 

So, I put together this little document for you all. What will this document do? Well, it can get you really, really, really close to exact dosing and provide you with information you didn’t even know you needed to dose hydrogen peroxide and sodium percarbonate SAFELY. This is useful for everyone, from those with one little freshwater tank to large-scale aquaculture systems.

This guide includes minimum dose rates, dose rate procedures, and advice on starting at lower dose rates and working your way up to the minimum dose rate. It also explains how to calculate the amount to dose into your aquarium based on the concentration of hydrogen peroxide you're using. Have at it and enjoy!

Disclaimer: The following information is for educational purposes only.

It is a culmination of a lot of different information and experience over the last 20 years of using these types of chemicals. As with everything, very astute observation, data collection, and record keeping are essential for the long-term use of oxidizers like hydrogen peroxide and sodium percarbonate. While they are similar to ozone in their effects, managing these substances requires constant observation and adjustments. Hopefully, this document will help you do just that.

This information has been compiled from a variety of sources, including aquaculture minor use permits, aquarium references, and university studies conducted both domestically and internationally. If you are using this in aquaculture, you need to have a minor use permit. For guidance and to ensure safe application, it is best to contact your preferred aquatic veterinarian.


 

All dosing recommendations provided below are based on either 35% hydrogen peroxide or sodium percarbonate, which contains 32% hydrogen peroxide by weight. If you are using a different concentration of hydrogen peroxide or sodium percarbonate, you will need to adjust the doses accordingly. For example, common hydrogen peroxide strengths available in pharmacies are 3% and 6%. Adjust your dose rates proportionally to match the concentration you are using.

It is critically important to follow all dosing guidelines carefully. This includes starting with no more than 25% of the minimum dose for the species you are treating, with constant observation and adjustment of the dose rate over time. It is also essential to understand the compatibility of hydrogen peroxide with other chemicals in your system. Personal research, proper safety precautions, and use of protective equipment are required to ensure safe handling. This document is a compilation of information and experiences from various sources, and reactions may vary depending on specific conditions. If you are new to hydrogen peroxide or sodium percarbonate dosing in aquatic systems, or even if you have used these compounds before, reading this guide in its entirety is crucial to make informed decisions. Tailoring your approach based on your system’s needs is paramount.

Sodium percarbonate (SPC) releases 32% hydrogen peroxide by weight. This allows SPC to be used almost interchangeably with dose rates for 35% hydrogen peroxide. For lower concentrations, calculate reduced dosages accordingly, and for higher concentrations, adjust appropriately. To err on the side of caution, dosing SPC at the same rate as hydrogen peroxide provides a slight safety buffer.

Always test dosages on individual species before wide-scale application. If your system contains multiple species, test on each to ensure safety and efficacy.

Hydrogen Peroxide in Aquatic Systems: A Guide to Safe Application

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and related compounds like sodium percarbonate (SPC) are powerful oxidizers commonly used in aquatic systems for managing waste and improving water quality. However, these substances must be applied with precision and care. Mismanagement can lead to unintended consequences, underscoring the importance of starting small and observing closely.

Key Considerations Before You Begin

  1. Understand the Role of Waste: The effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide is directly proportional to the amount of waste in your system—both solid and dissolved. This means that higher waste levels require higher doses, but as waste decreases, your dosing requirements will also drop.

  2. Start Small: Always begin with a dose that is NO MORE THAN 25% OF THE MINIMUM RECOMMENDED DOSE RATE. Gradually work your way up while observing the system’s response. This cautious approach minimizes the risk of overdosing and harming your aquatic life.

  3. Build-Up and Maintenance: Initially, hydrogen peroxide will need to work on accumulated waste (the "waste reserve") within the system. Once this reserve is cleared, the dose can be adjusted to handle the waste being produced on an ongoing basis. Over time, you should see your dosing requirements stabilize.

  4. Monitor and Adjust: Careful observation and constant monitoring are essential. Factors such as system size, water quality, and biological load can all impact your dosing requirements. Adjustments should be made based on real-time observations and experience.

Dosing Guidelines for H2O2 and SPC

 

REMEMEBER!!!!! - ADJUST YOUR DOSING FOR DIFFERENT CONCENTRATIONS

All dosing recommendations provided below are based on either 35% hydrogen peroxide or sodium percarbonate, which contains 32% hydrogen peroxide by weight. If you are using a different concentration of hydrogen peroxide or sodium percarbonate, you will need to adjust the doses accordingly.

 

For example, common hydrogen peroxide strengths available in pharmacies are 3% and 6%. Adjust your dose rates proportionally to match the concentration you are using.

Below is a detailed dosing table with corrected SPC equivalents based on expanded recommendations:

Corrected Minimum Safe Dose Rates for Sensitive Species

  • Crustaceans (Shrimp, Crabs):

    • H2O2: 10 mg/L (PPM)
    • SPC: 11 mg/L (PPM) (1.1 g/100 L of water)
  • Shellfish (Mussels, Clams, Oysters):

    • H2O2: 5 mg/L (PPM)
    • SPC: 5.5 mg/L (PPM) (0.55 g/100 L of water)
  • Aquaculture Finfish Species (e.g., Salmonids, Catfish):

    • H2O2: 20 mg/L (PPM)
    • SPC: 22 mg/L (PPM) (2.2 g/100 L of water)
  • Aquarium Fish (e.g., Gouramis, Swordtails):

    • H2O2: 3-6 mg/L (PPM)
    • SPC: 3.3-6.6 mg/L (PPM) (0.33-0.66 g/100 L of water)

Expanded Dosing Table for Specific Scenarios

Species/System Target Organism H2O2 Dose (mg/L / PPM) H2O2 (mL/100 L) SPC (g/100 L) Duration Frequency Method
Freshwater Fish Eggs (Cold) Saprolegnia (Water mold) 500–1000 143–286 156.25–312.5 15 minutes Daily/alternate days High-flow area, pre-mixed
Freshwater Fish Eggs (Warm) Saprolegnia 750–1000 214–286 234.37–312.5 15 minutes Daily/alternate days Aeration system inlet
Freshwater Salmonids Bacterial Gill Disease (Flavobacterium) 50–100 14.3–28.6 15.62–31.25 60 minutes Every other day x3 High-flow area, pre-mixed
Freshwater Salmonids Bacterial Gill Disease 100 28.6 31.25 30 minutes Every other day x3 Static bath or flow-through
Freshwater Coolwater Finfish Columnaris (Flavobacterium columnare) 50–75 14.3–21.4 15.62–23.44 60 minutes Every other day x3 Aeration system, high-flow area
Channel Catfish (Adults) Columnaris 50–75 14.3–21.4 15.62–23.44 60 minutes Every other day x3 Static bath or continuous flow
Channel Catfish (Fry) Columnaris 50 14.3 15.62 60 minutes Every other day x3 High-flow, pre-mixed
White Spot (Ornamental) Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Theront) N/A N/A 25–200 60 minutes 2–3 times Dissolved, drip feed or high-flow area
Marine Fish (General) Cryptocaryon irritans (Theront) 10–100 2.86–28.6 3.13–31.25 1 hour Night application Drip feed, high-flow introduction
Marine Fish (Threadfin) Amyloodinium (Dinoflagellate) 75–100 21.4–28.6 23.44–31.25 30 minutes 2 treatments, 6 days apart Drip feed or high-flow introduction
Marine Fish (Kingfish) Zeuxapta seriolae (Monogenean) 300 85.7 93.75 10 minutes Once High-flow introduction
Marine Aquarium (General) Pathogen control 0.75–1.02 0.21–0.29 0.23–0.32 Continuous Every 24 hours Drip feed or dosing pump


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