Formalin long term effect

[Naraku]

I read somewhere that formalin reduces a fishes lifespan by a lot.

Is there any truth to this

 

[scooter31707]

Tagging along. It works wonders though.

 

[Naraku]

I've read acriflavin and hydrogen peroxide as safer alternatives. hydrogen peroxide is approved to treat food fish.

I'm thinking about altering quarantine practice.

Since butterflyfish, clownfish and large angels are tolerant of freshwater bath, I will use that instead.
The only fish I need formalin are starcki damsels.

 

[Naraku]

Normal tank transfers are on days 1,4, 7,10,13

I altered my regimen to fight brook and velvet
Day 1: freshwater bath and put in clean tank with ick shield, metro, and levofloxacin
Day 2: same
Day 3: same
Day 5: same
Day 7: same
Day 10: same
Day 11: same
Day 14: transfer to clean tank and observe

Its a lot of work but much safer for the fish.
I've already formalin dipped my butterflies for day 1 and day 2 but whats done is done. They will get freshwater dips instead moving forward.
They didn't seem to like the formalin dip much. they were gasping at the surface upon introduction back to clean water.

 

[Dmorty217]

I have also "heard" this but there is virtually no evidence to back that up other than hear say. I know of hobbiest that have been keeping the same fish for 15 years+ and they formalin dipped them.

 

[ThRoewer]

A single or even a series of dips won't do much harm to the fish. Long term exposure might be a different story, but I would never again skip the bath on new fish.

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