How to disinfect my plants? Long winded...

I

Ironmahn

Registered Member
Mar 18, 2009
2
0
0
Hey all! I got a BUNCH of plants are was advised that they were kept in tanks that had snails (Ramshorn). I do not want snails and searched around for treating the plants before introducing them to my aquariums. The plants are as follows:

Bolbitis
Crypt spiralis
Crypt wendtii bronze
Java moss
Java fern narrow leaf
Italian val
Crinum natans (large, about 5 feet)
Anubias

I have all the plants packed into a 29 gallon tank, and as I was placing them in I checked some of the leaves. On some of the undersides of leaves there are what appear to be small blackish circular growths approximately 1/8" in diameter, I am not sure what the are.

I don't know what would be the best for disinfecting the particular plants I have. Maybe there are better methods then what I found, and any help is appreciated. This some information I gather for ask.com:

Plant soaking options include:
  • Alum – Prepare soak using one gallon of water and two tablespoon of alum. Soak plants for two to three days, then rinse well before planting in tank.
  • Bleach – Prepare soaking solution using one gallon of water and a cup and a half of bleach. Soak plants for five minutes, then soak for another five minutes in plain water with a de-chlorinating agent, and rinse well. Be aware that fragile plants may be damaged by bleach solutions. However, bleach is the most effective way to kill snails and eggs.
  • Potassium Permanganate – Prepare soaking solution using one gallon of water and a half tablespoon of potassium permanganate. Soak for fifteen minutes, then rinse well before planting in tank.
Photo's of the tank of plants:

DSC_0010.jpg


DSC_0011.jpg


DSC_0012-1.jpg


Photo's of the spots on them:

DSC_0013.jpg


DSC_0014-1.jpg


I can provide any additional information that may be needed, I attempted to cover all the bases.

Thanks,
Rich
 
Last edited:
The "small blackish circular growths" are spores for soon to be smaller Java ferns, you want those. I like the bleach method best. Just make sure to soak them in dechlorinated water before adding to the tank and you should be fine.
 
Why exactly do you want to get rid of the snails? I've found people who want to get rid of snails have been told false information about them.
 
for potassium P, there are Fizz tabs that jungle labs makes I think called Oxy clean or something to that effect. You throw one tab in a 5 gallon bucket fill it up and wait for it to dissolve then throw your plants in for a half hour. Dada!

You can get these at Dr. fosters and smith online
 
One cup of bleach to a gallon is more then enough to kill anything then toss in a new bucket that's been dechlorinated let sit for an hour
You'll be good to go
 
Thanks for the input thus far. The bleach method won't hurt any of the species of plants I have then, that is great to hear. AshK, to answer your question... I just really have no desire to have any snails in my tanks, not my cup of tea if you will.


Rich
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom