Disinfecting New Plants

[black angel]

Sorry if this has been asked numerous times but can you clean plants of parasites before adding to the tank with Sterazin? If so whats the dose and for how long. If not then whats the best way.
Thanks

 

[Themuleous]

The only thing you can get rid of is snails and even they are hard to kill 100%. Just dip the plants in a week bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 19 parts water. Then add the plants for 1-3 minutes. The more delicate the plant the less time is can cope with, like hornwort and other fine leaved plants. Bigger, tougher plants like swords and anubias species can cope with a bit longer (up 3 three mins). But all that said, it wont kill other bacteria that may be actually inside the plant and if you're not careful you can kill all the plants you have, which is just plain silly!

If you got the plants from a reputable dealer, them they should be fine, I sometimes give mine a rinse under the tap but that's about it.

Sam

 

[dasmall1]

I've heard you can use potassium permanganate? Does it work and where can you get it?

 

[Themuleous]

Apparently you can get it is chemist, its a traditional form of anti-septic used on cuts, etc. Never heard of using it in the aquarium.

Sam

 

[black angel]

PP is widely used in America for treating parasites on goldfish. Ive no idea of the strength needed for plants though and if it will work without killing them..

Im particularly looking at Sterazin to get rid of parasites as I know it wont do anything for bacteria. So, anyone know if i can or cant use it and at what strength and how long?