Adding Plants To Fish Tank

[cmock]

I just purchased some plants to put my tank. Nitrate levels are creeping up and was told plants will help with that. Do I need to do something to the plants before putting them in with the fish to make sure of no diseases, etc.?
Thanks!

 

[Luke_e]

Not sure if plants can carry disease, but they can and often do cary snails, and snail eggs. To combat this, simply run the plants under the tap, or fill a bucket up with water and wash the plants.

 

[Dude]

some plants you can dip in bleach to get rid of all kinds of bad bacterias

 

[Dubby]

some plants you can dip in bleach to get rid of all kinds of bad bacterias

Adding to what has been said..... most broad leaved plants can be dipped in bleach (1:20 solution) for a short duration. Its a bit difficult with very narrow leaved plants such as Cabomba & Hornwort as they lose their leaves if left for too long How much is too long? .... IMO over 2mins.

 

[cmock]

thank you! It's been several days now and the nitrates still haven't gone down. Maybe I'll get some more plants....

 

[Dude]

thank you! It's been several days now and the nitrates still haven't gone down. Maybe I'll get some more plants....

i would recommend a good gravel vacum and a 30% water change

 

[craynerd]

Not only do the plants use nitrates but I think its the bacteria on the plant leaves that will bring the nitrates down..hence a heavily planted tank doesnt need cycling. You will need a good few plants to notice a change!

Chris

 

[cmock]

thank you!