unwanted snails from LFS aquarium plants

[iheartbettas]

When I bought some plants at a local fish store, I noticed a few snails would unexpectedly pop up. It isn't a real problem and they've disappeared I believe, but my question is: how do I prevent unwanted snails from aquarium plants (if there are any). is it possible to quarantine the plants? rinse them really good before adding to your tank? I just don't want an invasion of unwanted snails as I've read on these forums previously. Thanks!

 

[thebrandon]

I'm not sure, but I thought I saw something about creating some sort of dip solution to kill off anything living on them.

 

[OrionGirl]

You can (and should) manually inspect the plants prior to adding them to your tank. In addition, yes, plants can be quarantined, just like fish, or you can treat them with a mild bleach solution dip followed by a good rinse. BUT...it will depend on the kind of plant! Some finer leaved plants won't tolerate a dip, so inspecting and monitoring is your best bet.

Also...snail 'problems' are usually just a symptom of something else wrong. A tank that is not overfed will never be overrun by snails.

 

[Cerianthus]

Look into Aquari-Sol to q/t plants as plants can harbor inverts which can bring in many pathogens, especially protozoans which may have symbiotic relationship with inverts?

 

[jasonG75]

"is it possible to quarantine the plants? rinse them really good before adding to your tank?"

All the above are thing your suppose to do ANYWAYS. And trim the roots and trim down the plant. So while doing the things your suppose to do anyways IF you come across a snail (and you don't want snails) remove it.

 

[Cerianthus]

"is it possible to quarantine the plants? rinse them really good before adding to your tank?"

All the above are thing your suppose to do ANYWAYS. And trim the roots and trim down the plant. So while doing the things your suppose to do anyways IF you come across a snail (and you don't want snails) remove it.

Of course it is possible to q/t plants if one is willing.

 

[discuspaul]

Just before adding newly-bought plants to a fish tank, soak them briefly - 2 to 4 minutes, no more than 5 minutes, in a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.
Then rinse them very well & plant them. This will kill any snails or snail eggs, and MOST plants will survive this short bleach bath. A somewhat safer way is to soak them for 15-30 minutes or so, in a bucket of 1-2 gals. of water to which you add a pinch - about 1/8 of a tspn. - of potassium permanganate, which should be available at most good LFS's. Mine gives me a small amount for free. Then rinse well & plant. The water in the bucket will turn a rather deep purple color when you add the PP.

 

[Cerianthus]

Although KMnO4 is powerful/useful oxidizing agent, would not recommend these for everyone, especially minor. Hopefully lfs uses caution when handing out such substances. And caution by user as well. I would make mixture outdoor rather than indoor for handler's or family's sake.
As far as how KMnO4 affect plant's cell membrane structures, it may depends on condition of plants in question, [KMnO4], each species of plants and duration of exposure.

 

[Linda S]

Is KMnO4 pottasium permanganate? I have it as a plant dip in a liquid form, "add one ounce for every gallon of water in the bucket soak for 15-20 minutes"It says kills snails, snail eggs,algae, fungus,pathogens from live plants and tank decorations. there is a warning that it may stain skin or clothing.

 

[discuspaul]

Although KMnO4 is powerful/useful oxidizing agent, would not recommend these for everyone, especially minor. Hopefully lfs uses caution when handing out such substances. And caution by user as well. I would make mixture outdoor rather than indoor for handler's or family's sake.
As far as how KMnO4 affect plant's cell membrane structures, it may depends on condition of plants in question, [KMnO4], each species of plants and duration of exposure.

Cerianthus is quite right.
I should have added some cautionary notes regarding the use of KMn04 = Potassium Permanganate. My bad.
The LFS did suitably caution me when they give it me. I can stain many substances, can be an irritant to skin, very dangerous if contact is made with your eyes - & under certain conditions, can be explosive. Handle with care, preferably with gloves, & outside would be best as Cerianthus has suggested.
Having said all that, with care taken when using it, it is an effective destroyer of snails, snail eggs, and other undesirable substances & matter, and is safe to use well diluted in tap water.