Exotic Animal Formulary5

produce at least a
6:1 ratio (w/w) of
Cl:NO 2 ions 100
salt=60% Cl, artificial sea salts=55% Cl
Sodium thiosulfate
Use as directed for
chlorine/chloramine
neutralizers
10 mg/L tank water 87
Active ingredient in numerous
chlorine/chloramine neutralizers;
chlorine and chloramine are common
additions to municipal water supplies
and are toxic to fish; ammonia
released by detoxification of
chloramine is removed by functioning
biological filter (see nitrifying bacteria)
or chemical means (see zeolite)
100 mg/L tank water 140 Chlorine exposure
10 g neutralizes
chlorine (up to
2 mg/L) from 1000 L
water 87
Zeolite (i.e.,
clinoptilolite)
Use as directed
20 g/L tank water 100
Ion-exchange resin that exchanges
ammonia for sodium ions;
clinoptilolite is an active form of
zeolite; used to reduce or prevent
ammonia toxicity; more effective for
removal of some compounds (e.g.,
sulfonamides, enrofloxacin) than
activated carbon 15,67,104
a
Not to be used in fish for human consumption.
b
Preferable to treat single fish of a species to determine toxicity.
c
Bath treatment: remove fish from resident aquarium and place in container with known volume of water
and concentration of therapeutic agent; watch closely for signs of toxicity, e.g., listing and dyspnea;
always keep water well aerated.
Table 2-5
Euthanasia Agents Used in Fish. a
Agent Dosage Comments
Benzocaine
Carbon dioxide
≥250 mg/L
immersion for
at least 10 min 12
Immersion to
effect 12
Solution should be buffered; once the fish
loses consciousness, a secondary method
(double pithing, decapitation, injectable
pentobarbital) should be used
Fish may become hyperactive before losing
consciousness; use in a well ventilated
area
68