I Have New Plants But Don't Know What To Do Now?

[Lazerus]

Hi all…

Some quick but urgent questions about introducing new plants to the aquarium…

I’m a complete novice…I’ve just bought 5 new plants today and I have them sitting in a shallow bucket of tank water at the moment.

I’ve read two articles online about introducing plants to the aquarium:

One says use a quarantine tank and let them sit for a week or two. This will highlight any bugs or snail, but it doesn’t highlight any bacteria’s that might be lingering.

Another says an instant way of making your plants safe from invisible bacteria’s and infections is by using a Potassium permanganate product to disinfect the plants.

So as time is of the essence before the shops close this evening.

1. Can someone give me a brand name of a Potassium permanganate product so I can ring up to see if they have it before I drive over.


2. Can I use something like Dettol or Bleach instead?


3. If this product is used on these plants is it then safe to put them into my main tank, or do I still need to quarantine…that was not clear.


4. As I do not have a quarantine tank (as it’s already in use) can I just use a bucket for a few days and shine a light into it?


Many thanks….

 

[Nick16]

you can bleach dip but it is not worth it. just wash the plants under the tap and check the leaves for any snails or eggs. then take them out of the pots, remove the rockwall. seperate the plant up into the plantlets (should be 4 or 5 per pot depending on type of plant). then trim about 1-2cms off the ends of the roots to encourage new growth and then plant.

 

[Lazerus]

Thanks....I've given them a good look at they all appear clear to the naked eye.

However, I'm still just anxious about introducing any possible Fish or plant diseases that might be inactive or dormant on these plants.

I feel I should hold out and disinfect them with this Potassium Permaganate solution.

If someone could give me a brand name I'll be able to see if anyone has it locally...even my chemist perhaps? I could still get it today or early tomorrow.

Will the plants be ok over night in the bucket of tank water?

Does it matter if it falls to room temperature?

 

[Lazerus]

Anyone know the tip about washing the plants in sugar and water? Apparently it rids the plants of possible parasites, bug, snails etc.....

I'm trying to find out information on the correct quantities to use. Anyone know?

 

[Lazerus]

Hi all...

Went to my local chemist and got a Potassium Permaganate tablet.....now, I must look up what to do next.

 

[Dave Spencer]

Hi all...

Went to my local chemist and got a Potassium Permaganate tablet.....now, I must look up what to do next.

To be honest, if you are buying plants from a source where you feel you have to go to these lengths to make them safe for your tank, then you should go elsewhere. Or maybe you could be a little less paranoid.

Dave.

 

[Lazerus]

You might be right...but being new to this, I don't feel there is any harm in taking precautions!

I've had my fair share of 'mishaps' over the past few month, so I don't want to have 'introducing diseased plants or a breakout of Hydra to my healthy aquarium' to my list of mistakes. and knowing my luck...it would happen.

 

[JeffJustice]

I recently bought some clippings over the net. They were from a source i recently bought from and had no porblems the first time.... However, I DID have 2 shrimp in my tan, who were fine when I introduced the first batch of plants. WHen I recently installed the new batch, my shrimps died shortley after. I can only assume that the plants had traces of copper still on them.

I read on this forum someone had the same problem once, even though they soaked their plants in water for 48 hours prior.

I can appriciate your concern. It was an unfortunate loss for me but the plants were excellent quality and I will buy from the seller again. Give them a rinse for a day or two and stick them in.

 

[Lazerus]

I recently bought some clippings over the net. They were from a source i recently bought from and had no problems the first time.... However, I DID have 2 shrimp in my tan, who were fine when I introduced the first batch of plants. When I recently installed the new batch, my shrimps died shortly after. I can only assume that the plants had traces of copper still on them.

I read on this forum someone had the same problem once, even though they soaked their plants in water for 48 hours prior.

I can appreciate your concern. It was an unfortunate loss for me but the plants were excellent quality and I will buy from the seller again. Give them a rinse for a day or two and stick them in.

Well thanks for that reply Jeff!!! It backs up everything I'm saying.

Maybe I am paranoid, but being a 'learner' I've read up alot on every step of setting up an aquarium safely and I've every right to be paranoid because I've read enough on this forum alone, about all sorts of possible outcomes from not quarantining plants prior to introduction regardless of how reliable their source is.

My plants look amazing, they are green & a luscious, no obvious signs of snail eggs or larvae, and I possibly could have taken a chance, but its the invisible diseases can still be harboring on the leaves is what I was worried about the most.

Disinfecting with the Potassium permaganate was not a difficult job nor is it a waste of time & I feel much happier placing them in my tank now.

Anyway, enough said, I'll know what I'll be doing next time...

 

[Nick16]

if you buy plants frm a reputable source you will not have any roblems, i just wash the plants under the tap for about 2 seconds, check for any nasties, remove some leaves, trim the roots then split them up and plant.