Potassium Permanganate sources

[wendamus]

Folks,

I've got several plant shipments coming from aquabid, and I've read I should do a Potassium Permanganate bath before introducing them to my aquarium. Most of my shipments are being sent out on Monday or Tuesday of this week, so I'm afraid I don't have time to order it online.

I've heard 'chemists' or 'pharmacies' but so far Walgreen's, CVS and Walmart pharmacists don't have it. I don't know exactly where to find a local chemist other than tracking down a high school chemistry teacher.

I see something called Permoxyn online, I can try to find that at various LFS - is that what I need, and will it last a while? Or does anyone have any other suggestions? Would hardware stores or garden supply stores have this, and if so is there any brand name I should look for?

Thanks,

-Wendy

[Draal5]

clear water by jungle labs is Potassium Permanganate walmart caries it in the pet department

[pik01]

Permoxyn will work, it's what I have.

[Squawkbert]

Solid Pot. Permangenate has entirely too much potential for illicit use to be freely sold to anyone who should happen to walk into a Wal-anything.

[wendamus]

clear water by jungle labs is Potassium Permanganate walmart caries it in the pet department


Ok, this is all good info. I actually have some 'clear water' tabs, and had looked a couple of times to find out what was in them. How much water should I dissolve one tab in for a good plant bath? Can I re-use it (I.E. Keep it in a quart container with a lid while my plants show up all through the week?)


Solid Pot. Permangenate has entirely too much potential for illicit use to be freely sold to anyone who should happen to walk into a Wal-anything.

What sort of illicit uses?

[Robert H]

Solid Pot. Permangenate has entirely too much potential for illicit use to be freely sold to anyone who should happen to walk into a Wal-anything.

You can buy it pure in small bottles quite easily and cheaply, and perfectly legally on EBAY. I was thinking of selling it, but when I saw how cheap it was on ebay I thought why bother

[Squawkbert]

Mixed with the right other chemicals, it can be used as a contact explosive or detonator.

[pik01]

Mixed with the right other chemicals, it can be used as a contact explosive or detonator.

at least it would kill any snails on your plants...even if it means the plant is kaput as well.

[wendamus]

You can buy it pure in small bottles quite easily and cheaply, and perfectly legally on EBAY. I was thinking of selling it, but when I saw how cheap it was on ebay I thought why bother

Eep -- ok, glad I know so I don't go into the store wearing anything scary or on the same day I buy protest materials or something!

I looked in OSH (orchard supply hardware) and ACE today, and they didn't have it, so I'm going to have to go with ebay -- it's not expensive, but shipping is almost as much as the bottle. Oh well, nobody ever said this was a cheap habit, er, hobby!

[wendamus]

clear water by jungle labs is Potassium Permanganate walmart caries it in the pet department

Do you know how much water to put it in to soak plants? I know one tab per 10 gallons is safe for fish, but if I want to kill snails I can't figure out how much water would make the right mix. Thanks!

[mphunk]

Any reputable water treatment store should have it. If they sell water softeners or offer deionization services...they have it in granular form on their shelves. It is used in water treatment as a regnerate for iron filters (greensand) and to "freshen" up carbon exchange filters.

[Robert H]

My buddy Steve Hampton explains how to use it on his WEB site, (which has lots of good information on it by the way) Never NEVER put it inside the aquarium.

http://www.aquariaplants.com/plantdipsbaths.htm

[DrNo]

PP sales are subject to state law so some states carry while others don't. Believe it or not, ACE Hardware may have it. This stuff is NASTY however. Have you considered an Excel bath instead? Even mild bleach solution would be easier and more likely safer.

[wendamus]

Thanks everyone! Steve Hampton's website was particularly helpful. I'll check at Ace, and look for pool supply stores, etc. I thought to avoid shipping charges from ebay, but I've spent enough driving around at this point that I should have just ordered it!