Using Local Plants in Aquariums

[Pheintz]

If one were to collect local plants from a nearby lake, river, or stream and quarantine them first (of course) would there be any kind of treatment one could use on them to destroy any undesireable things which might be on them?

Just curious. I am close to a large river and have often wondered if this could be done safely.

[fishcatch22]

If one were to collect local plants from a nearby lake, river, or stream and quarantine them first (of course) would there be any kind of treatment one could use on them to destroy any undesireable things which might be on them?

Just curious. I am close to a large river and have often wondered if this could be done safely.I really wouldn't do it, espcially considering most of us live in temperate areas, and a temparate plant probably wouldn't do too well in a tropical aquarium. jusnt not worth the risk IMO.

[fballguy]

Dipping them in a diluted bleach solution should kill most diseases. Then rinse them of in conditioned water.

EDIT: FC has a good point too.

[Pheintz]

That's true. Being in Oregon I don't think the water here ever gets near the 82F my aquarium is.

I was also just reading that local plants can soak up toxins in the waterways and then release them into your aquarium. Someone lost a whole tank that way.