Has anyone used the Alka-Seltzer method of fish euthanasia?

Question

Here's the website.

http://www.theoscarspot.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=49&topic=2650.0

and here's the content of the website to which I'm referring.

A. Primary euthanasia methods for fish (methods that can be used alone) include:

1. MS-222/TMS- dosage: 50 to 250 mg/L
[buffered to pH 7.0 with sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3)]
Note: Fish euthanized with MS-222 cannot be used for human consumption.

2. Benzocaine-dosage: 50 to 500 mg/L
Note: Fish euthanized with Benzocaine cannot be used for human consumption.

3. Exposure to a solution saturated with carbon dioxide (CO2):
When possible, carbon dioxide should be used from a compressed gas cylinder source. However, neither the 1993 nor the 2000 Report of the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia address the issue of the source/production of carbon dioxide as it relates to aquatic animal species. The use of chemical methods for the production of carbon dioxide, such as a saturated solution of sodium bicarbonate or Alka-Seltzer ®, has been proven quite effective with fish as noted in the literature. When dosed adequately sodium bicarbonate renders rapid loss of consciousness and death (4,6). As a result, the use of carbon dioxide liberated by chemical means will also be acceptable for the euthanasia of fish when compressed carbon dioxide gas cylinders cannot be used. Individuals who have demonstrated competency with this technique to qualified personnel (i.e. aquatic animal veterinarian or his/her designate) should perform the euthanasia of fish by carbon dioxide.

Sodium bicarbonate dosage: (30g/L or 120g/gallon)

Alka-Seltzer ® dosage: (1 tablet/ 20L or 2 tablets/ 10gallons)
Note: Fish euthanized with sodium bicarbonate or Alka-Seltzer® should not be used for human consumption.

Protocol: Fish should be placed into a container with an appropriate volume of water that will provide free movement of fish to be euthanized. Water should then be saturated with carbon dioxide from either a compressed gas cylinder (via the use of an air stone with a moderate flow rate for ~5-10 minutes) or by dissolving enough sodium bicarbonate or Alka-Seltzer® into the water (via the dosages previously provided). Fish should be removed only after ten minutes have passed since their last observed opercular movements (respiration) have occurred.

Answer 1

I've used the MS-222, both as an anesthetic and to euthanize, but not the Alka-seltzer. This link will give the recommendations by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Panel on Euthanasia for euthanizing fish:
http://www.petplace.com/fish/euthanasia-in-fish/page1.aspx

If I'm somewhere that I don't have access to MS-222, I prefer the use of clove oil: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-most-humane-way-to-euthanize-a-fish.htm

Answer 2

Never heard of it before, but it kinda makes sense. Let me know if it works, 'cause I'm currently housing one albino cory who survived the death plague of my fish and now he's all alone and I don't plan on getting any more right now. I feel bed about wanting to get rid of him/her, but a big tank and filter for such a little guy... it's not worth it.

(i've heard of the seagull one)

(oh, and how did you get so much on your question??? when I ask questions it won't let me go over 1000 characters)

Answer 3

I personally have never used it but I know people that have and even swear by it as their prefered method. It is at least fast.

MM

Answer 4

No, but when I was younger my friends and I used to feed Alka-Seltzer to the seagulls and watch them explode as they flew away...Gross, I know; but we thought it was funny.