Virkon Aquatic Information

Virkon® Aquatic is a concentrated disinfectant powder that when mixed with water forms a powerful cleaning and disinfecting solution with efficacy against fish viruses, bacteria, fungi, and molds. Virkon® Aquatic is EPA registered (except in California where registration is pending) for the disinfection of environmental surfaces associated with aquaculture.

Benefits

Effective – Kills Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi and Mold. Virkon® Aquatic Efficacy information can be viewed here
Fast acting – 10 minutes is maximum contact time needed.
Non-Irritating – Solutions are non-irritating to skin and eyes.
Minimal Environmental Effect – The ingredients have been carefully selected for their ability to degrade quickly within the environment.
Labeling – The EPA approved label specifically mentions approvals for use in Aquaculture and Aquatic Applications.

Virkon® Aquatic is the ultimate disinfectant use in fish culture operations. It is independently proven to be highly effective against significant aquatic pathogens and is used around the world. It is considered by many experts to be the best choice for reducing the spread of fish pathogens. As outlined in the Virkon® Aquatic MSDS, once the powder is mixed with water, the working solution is non-irritating to skin and eyes. This is a significant worker safety advantage over many other disinfectants. Before mixing into solution, the power is corrosive and irritating so please follow label directions. MSDS sheets for both Virkon® Aquatic powder and Virkon® solution are available.

What concentration should I use?

Solutions are made by mixing the Virkon® Aquatic power with water. Working solution strengths are normally 0.5%, 1.0% or 2.0% with the 1.0% concentration being used most often. See Virkon® Aquatic – US Label and Virkon® Aquatic – General Directions. Each 10 lb. tub of Virkon® Aquatic will make 123 gallons of 1.0% solution, or 246 gallons of 0.5% solution.

How long does the solution remain active?

The label states that solutions are stable for at least 7 days while some fish hatchery staff are reporting activity lasting for up to 2 weeks. The actual solution life can vary and will be reduced by exposure to organics and UV light. Virkon Test Strips are an effective and convenient tool for ensuring that Virkon® solutions are maintained at the desired strength.

What is the difference between Virkon® Aquatic and Virkon-S in the USA?

Virkon® Aquatic is specifically designed for use in fish culture while Virkon-S is designed for use in the production of poultry, swine, and other types of agriculture. Virkon® Aquatic does not contain an indicator dye or perfume as found in Virkon-S. There are also important EPA labeling differences between Virkon® Aquatic and Virkon-S. The EPA approved label for Virkon® Aquatic contains expanded aquaculture claims and applications and is EPA approved for use in aquaculture. Virkon-S is no longer recommended for use in aquaculture and its label will no longer carry EPA approval for aquaculture claims.

How does Virkon® Aquatic compare to Bleach?

Household bleach and 12.5% sodium hypochlorite are commonly used for disinfection purposes and while the cost is low, these products may not always be the best options. Unlike Virkon® Aquatic, bleach is corrosive, unstable, irritating, and rapidly inactivated by organic matter.