Aquarium oxidizer: what is it and what is it for?

The oxidizer is an environmentally friendly device. Such a device is usually used for aerating water as an alternative to a compressor in small artificial reservoirs. It is noteworthy that the oxidizer functions absolutely silently.

With the help of an oxidizer, oxygen can be obtained by decomposing hydrogen peroxide into its components: water and oxygen. The unit contributes to the saturation of the aquarium water with this useful gas; its use is relevant in small tanks or in those where a lot of plants grow. At night, they tend to actively absorb oxygen, as a result, the fish may suffocate, often leading to their death.

Usually, fish respond very favorably to the work of the oxidizer, especially goldfish, apistograms, and also discus.

It is noted that its use helps to reduce the concentration of nitrites in an artificial reservoir, oxidizes uneaten food residues, thereby slowing down the appearance of bottom organic matter. This, in turn, prevents the appearance of dangerous flip flops and thread in the pond, and blue-green algae do not tolerate the action of the device at all. Thus, the device contributes to the fight against the growth of algae, but at the same time does not at all have a toxic effect on the fish and does not violate the biocenosis of the reservoir.

According to instructions, the use of the device in many respects improves the adaptation of newly purchased fish to the habitat, therefore, the device is especially effective in quarantine. The need for an oxidizer also often arises among residents of small settlements far from the metropolis, as well as among people who came with their pets to the country. It is no secret that in such places there are often power outages, and the compressor cannot produce aeration of the water, which leads to the death of the inhabitants of the aquarium.

In addition, even the highest quality aerators emit a hum, which often causes discomfort, especially when an artificial reservoir is located in a bedroom or children's room. In this case the use of an oxidizer will be the most correct solution.

The main advantages of using the device include:

• enrichment of water in the aquarium with molecular oxygen;
• no need for a source of electrical energy and wiring;
• oppression of pathogenic microflora - the simplest microorganisms, bacteria and dangerous fungi;
• oxidation of nitrites and other decomposition products;
• highly efficient biological treatment of water.

All this contributes to an improvement in the quality of water, and, therefore, has the most favorable effect on the health of the inhabitants of the aquarium, makes it possible to alleviate the condition of fish affected by bacterial diseases and increases the redox potential of the reservoir.

An oxidizer includes several elements:

• glass container;
• catalysts;
• lid with several holes;
• clay / ceramic base.

The principle of operation of the device is simple: Prepared hydrogen peroxide is poured into a glass tank, covered tightly, and then placed in a clay base. After that, you can safely use the installation - it is already working. When interacting with catalysts, peroxide decomposes into oxygen and ordinary water, oxygen immediately begins to squeeze peroxide out of the container, while it flows out through the holes in the lid, where it reacts with ceramic elements, which also have the property of catalyzing chemical processes. Thus, another decay into water and gas occurs.

During these processes, a lot of atomic oxygen and molecular microbubbles penetrate into the water, they contribute to the destruction of fungi, parasites and bacteria, and enhance the therapeutic and prophylactic effect on the aquarium fauna.

With frequent switching on, the oxidizer is usually set at the lowest power - only 1 catalyst is turned on and charged with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. If there is a need for the treatment of aquatic inhabitants and the destruction of algae, it is better to install a couple of catalysts, and also fill in a more concentrated preparation.

Let us dwell in more detail on the features of using different types of oxidizers. MINI oxidizer - this device is intended for installation in tanks with a capacity not exceeding 60 liters.

Usually, such devices are optimal for forced transportation of fish over long distances. The dimensions of this oxidizer are small - no more than 6 cm in length and about 4 cm in diameter, the volume of the container for filling hydrogen peroxide is 20 ml. This device releases very small, almost microscopic bubbles, which can only be noticed by looking closely.

Oxidizer D optimal for a tank of 60-150 liters, installation dimensions 8.5x8.5 cm, a container for filling with peroxide holds up to 125 ml of reagent. Oxidizer A It is used for large aquariums with a volume of 150-400 liters, and if the aquarium is more capacious, it is recommended to install 2 devices at once.

The diameter of the installation is 9 cm, the height is 18 cm, the capacity of the vessel is 250 ml. Oxidizer W is the most powerful device designed for artificial reservoirs with a volume of more than 600 liters, the diameter of the device is 15 cm, the height is 18 cm, the container can hold up to 1 liter of peroxide.

If desired, the oxidizer can be made with your own hands. To do this, you will need:

• unpainted earthenware container with a narrow neck;
• champagne cork;
• hydrogen peroxide solution.

The sequence of actions includes simple steps.

1. The plug must be cleaned of the wire and cut off to the desired size.
2. The cut piece is adjusted with a knife to the diameter of the neck of the selected ceramic vessel.
3. Then make a small hole in the center of the plug. For this, you can use the thinnest drill or the thickest needle.
4. Peroxide is poured into the vessel, after which it is tightly corked with a stopper.

In the course of these simple manipulations, a ready-to-use oxidizer is obtained that can be used in an aquarium. If you do not find an earthen vessel, then you can take a container from another material; as a catalyst, you will have to add clay shards or pieces of basalt inside. If you additionally decorate the home-grown oxidizer with driftwood or artificial plants, then it will become not only an effective device for saturating water with oxygen, but will also decorate any artificial reservoir with its decorative look.

How to make an oxidizer with your own hands, see below.