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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
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		Use of a Stock Solution An alternative method of measuring potassium permanganate is to mix a stock solution. A stock solution is a concentrated solution of chemical from which small amounts can be taken to treat tanks as needed. This is useful when either multiple tanks or multiple treatments are needed. An easy way to make up a stock solution for potassium permanganate is to purchase a one-gallon bottle of distilled water, weigh 285 grams of potassium permanganate, add it to the solution, and mix thoroughly. This stock solution will deliver a dose of 1 mg/L when delivered at a rate of one drop per gallon. Therefore, to achieve the desired concentration of 2 mg/L, the stock solution can be delivered at a rate of 2 drops per gallon. The stock solution should be stored in a cool, dark area and be replaced annually. When treating larger systems, it is useful to remember that 20 drops are equal to one milliliter (ml), or one cubic centimeter (cc) if measuring the liquid with a syringe. Therefore, one ml of stock solution will treat ten gallons of water with a concentration of 2 mg/L. Safety Precautions When Handling Potassium Permanganate Potassium permanganate is fairly safe to handle, however, all chemicals should be treated with respect. Potassium permanganate will easily stain clothing and skin. Brown discoloration of skin is not painful, but it may be unsightly and takes several days to disappear. Brown stains to clothing can be permanent. Protective gloves and clothing are recommended when handling potassium permanganate. Fish farmers and aquarists do occasionally mix chemicals. It is important that formalin and potassium permanganate are NEVER mixed as the combination can be explosive. Summary Potassium permanganate is an oxidizer which can be used to "disinfect" the external surfaces of fish. It effectively removes most external parasites, as well as fungal and bacterial agents. Most fish can be treated by prolonged immersion in a 2 mg/L potassium permanganate solution (water must retain a purple color for at least 4 hours), although some species (i.e., Malawi cichlids) seem to be sensitive to it and may not tolerate a full strength (2 mg/L) bath. Because of its harsh oxidizing properties, potassium permanganate should not be applied to fish more frequently than once per week or mortality may result. It is safe to use in marine and recirculating systems at 2 mg/L. Potassium permanganate can stain skin and clothing so care is suggested when handling it. The chemical should never be mixed directly with formalin as an explosion or fire could result. Table 1: Common Conversion Factors for Use in Calculation of Amount of Chemical to Use in a Unit Volume of Water for a Concentration of 1 ppm (1 mg/L). Units Conversion Factor grams per gallon 0.0038 pounds per acre-foot 2.72 grams per cubic foot 0.0283 pounds per cubic foot 0.000062 more ...

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