Is it save for us to use formalin?

[Karl]

Sometimes we may need to use formalin for tanks in our living room. As we know formalin is a known carcinogen to human, it is safe to do so? We can wear gloves but the ventilation may not be suficient 'cos we seldom have ventilation fans in our living room.:)

Pardon me if you think my question is stupid. I am not a professional in handling chemicals and I just don't want to do any harm to my family members.

Thanks in advance for the reply.

Karl

[Graham]

You should have no problem using it just using common sense. Don't splash, don't inhale excess fumes, and wear a pair of gloves. There should be very little in the way of fumes once the cap is back on the bottle and none from the tank.

Your only using 3 or 4 drops per liter of water. Look at using a formulation that has Malachite Green in it....they work much better together than alone

[Karl]

Thanks for your reply. That's what I have been assuming. Just want to see what other hobbyists or chemists think.

Also thanks for your suggestion on formalin + malachite green combo. Will try but hope I won't have the chance. :)

Regards,
Karl

[Moon]

I've been using Formaldehyde for a number of years. I use caution as Graham suggests. The bottle has a small opening and this fits the spout of a syringe used to feed medications to infants. This works perfectly with very little exposure to the atmosphere.

[Karl]

Thanks for your opinion. So it is save once the formalin is in the tank, right?

[Graham]

yes

[Sam Chicklets]

Just out of curiosity what are using it for?

[dandestroy]

got to love wiki

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formaldehyde

[Sam Chicklets]

So unless you are treating ich why would you use it?

[MostlyDiscus]

Graham, How long are you leaving the formalin in at 3 to 4 drops per liter.. .Thx in advance.. Ed

[Graham]

Graham, How long are you leaving the formalin in at 3 to 4 drops per liter.. .Thx in advance.. Ed

It could be left in there for days as a continual bath. In realilty if the tank is graveled, planted or the filters have a lot of organics in them it'll soon be bound up/used by those organics

If repeats are being done then a decent water between doses should be done

G

[MostlyDiscus]

Thx Graham:)