Hydrogen Peroxide?

GpsFrontier · #1 10-08-2009, 06:42 PM

I am looking into using "hydrogen peroxide" in the new hydroponic systems I am building. While looking into it I have read something about using "food grade hydrogen peroxide." I am wondering if there is a difference between a food grade hydrogen peroxide and the hydrogen peroxide that you find in the pharmacy first aid section for putting on cuts. Also, if the first aid hydrogen peroxide is something I should avoid using.

HydroACR · #2 10-09-2009, 08:47 AM

From what I've read there are different strengths and the drug store solutions are pretty weak. They are also stabilized with some other ingredients that might not help out the plants. Maybe try sourcing it from where science labs buy their chemicals from?

GpsFrontier · #3 10-10-2009, 03:56 AM

I just thought I would post an update in case it helps anyone. I had e-mailed General Hydroponics with the same exact question and there response was:

"Hello,
I think the only difference is the concentration. Food grade is 10 times stronger. It is also ten times more expensive.
Thanks"

I am not concerned with the concentration because I won't be using that much to go to the time and effort of finding a source for the 35% concentration. One bottle of the 3% from walmart for $1.06 will probably last 6 months. If not whats another $1.06.

watercatwn6535nd · #4 01-19-2010, 06:59 AM

The drug store stuff in a small system is perfect, the 35% stuff will burn your skin. seems like every time use the stuff i get some on me. very bad stuff at full strenght.

Luches · #5 02-07-2010, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watercatwn6535nd

The drug store stuff in a small system is perfect, the 35% stuff will burn your skin. seems like every time use the stuff i get some on me. very bad stuff at full strenght.

Try it on your hair, to see how tough it is

watercatwn6535nd · #6 02-07-2010, 03:25 AM

i think its also used in www.gofast.com jet pack. they spray it acroos some type of metal and it turns to steam and produces the equevelent of 800 hp for a couple minutes. very cool flying videos

Luches · #7 10-10-2009, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GpsFrontier

I am looking into using "hydrogen peroxide" in the new hydroponic systems I am building. While looking into it I have read something about using "food grade hydrogen peroxide." I am wondering if there is a difference between a food grade hydrogen peroxide and the hydrogen peroxide that you find in the pharmacy first aid section for putting on cuts. Also, if the first aid hydrogen peroxide is something I should avoid using.

Actually, if it is labeled hxdrogen peroxide at 35%, it should be H2O2 and nothing else. Otherwise, or if there are any additives, - they should figure on the label. Low concentration H2O2 may use some stabilizers, but I've read studies where "stabilzed" low concentration H2O2 was used to disinfect setups .

As it is a powerful disinfectant and antiseptic, it kills every living organism but the plants, if used in the right concentration (dilution).

Though, if using hxdrogen peroxide one should be aware that all micro organisms in the systems get killed- also beneficial organisms or fungus die. As I add Trichoderma harzianum to my reservoirs, I am obviously avoiding the use of H2O2.

one800fish · #8 10-14-2010, 07:53 AM

As I understand it ( ? ) hydrogen peroxide is used to kill off any pathogens in the system.

The drug store peroxide contains preservatives and clearly states not for internal use.
The food grade peroxide is quite expensive and has a short shelf life.

Copper tubing also kills off pathogens and is a one time purchase.
So, I installed copper tubing between my pump and plastic tubing (about a foot of it) and it seems to works pretty well.

Just my two cents worth.

GpsFrontier · #9 10-15-2010, 03:08 AM

Hello one800fish,
Yes hydrogen peroxide is not to be ingested by humans, but that doesn't mean it's toxic, just that it can cause problems for people if they drank it. Plants and humans are not the same thing either.

Although hydrogen peroxide will kill pathogens and all micro-organisms (depending on how much you use), that's not my reason for using it in my hydroponic systems. I would rather use ultraviolet (UV) light for that. I add hydrogen peroxide to the solution to add dissolved oxygen to the water (even when using an air pump and stone). I add the hydrogen peroxide at one teaspoon (5mL) per gallon, that's a ratio of 758 to 1, not enough to harm the plants (except maybe seedlings), but still provide more oxygen for the roots. And yes it does help keep the growth of pathogens and micro-organisms (both good and bad) down.

I don't consider hydrogen peroxide to be much of an expense at all, one quart is enough for 189 gallons of nutrient solution, and only cost me $1.06 at Wal-Mart (about $1.35 at the grocery store). Also I have yet to see a bottle of hydrogen peroxide that has any preservatives in it. If you read the label (both "Active Ingredients" and "Inactive Ingredients") there is nothing more than "hydrogen peroxide H2O2 (3%)" and "putrefied water" in the bottle.

P.S. As for me I don't believe copper kills pathogens, even if there was some truth to it, there would be a lot of variables in using it as to weather it was efficient at all. The water company certainly doesn't think copper kills pathogens. Houses are built with copper tubing inside the walls for both hot and cold lines, and it doesn't kill pathogens there. That's why the water company uses chemicals like chlorine to do that. If pathogens are a big concern, I would recommend using UV light. UV light has been used to purify water for about 100 years, and without adding any chemicals to the water either. Also easy to build/waterproof, and can be placed in the reservoir or in a inline overflow tube.

watercatwn6535nd · #10 10-15-2010, 06:39 PM

peroxide is a life saver if used correctly in your system. dont get the 30% stuff on your skin as it will burn the shit out of you (terrible stuff). The copper isnt going to do anything but turn green and look terribe. I have some in a old system the i use peoxide in. peroxide is not for every nute type though so if your using gh go ahead but if your using some thing that is alive like a tea or organic nute it will kill your nute. if you dont know what i'm talking about read about about it and dont use it tell you understand what is happening becuase its a instant action and a bacteria killing machine.

GpsFrontier · #11 10-15-2010, 07:39 PM

Quote:

but if your using some thing that is alive like a tea or organic nute it will kill your nute.

Yes thanks watercatwn6535nd, that's very true. Compost teas and organic nutrients rely on beneficial bacteria and microbes to break them down, and the hydrogen peroxide cant tell the difference between good and bad ones, it will just kill them all. So will the UV light. If using teas and/or organic nutrients, instead of trying to kill the pathogens, you may want to add beneficial microbes to the solution. If the beneficial bacteria and microbes in the system are much more abundant than the bad, they will keep them in check and your not likely to have problems with pathogens multiplying out of control.

watercatwn6535nd · #12 10-15-2010, 11:43 PM

Gps,

Just reading your post made me think of a extra UV light i took out of a old hut tub. I have never researched it but that may be a great way to keep algea down and stop small emmiters from clogging? what do you know about it.

one800fish · #13 10-26-2010, 05:32 AM

I see now why I was confused about stabilizers. I checked out various suppliers of hp and their MSDS's. Most do contain stabilizers. However, the brand I picked up at Wal-Mart is mfg'd by Aaron Industries.Their MSDS shows no stabilizers.
http://www.aaronindustriesinc.com/MS...n_peroxide.pdf

GpsFrontier is right again.