pamd

I've searched FishLore's plant section and elsewhere and can't find answers to some of my questions about introducing new plants to an aquarium with fish. I am concerned about the possibility of snails and/or a fish disease hitchhiking on the plants. I'd like an all-in-one step-by-step guide, please.

1) Is a one-part solution of regular, unscented Chlorox bleach to 19 parts water a good idea? Is that the correct ratio? How long should the plant stay in the solution?

2) If using bleach, I understand that the plant should be rinsed thoroughly in tap water, then in dechlorinated water with a lot of dechlorinating solution. But how much is "a lot"? Twice, three, ten times the amount you'd use if simply dechlorinating water for the aquarium for a water change?

3) How long should the plant stay in the dechlorinated water?

4) If I follow the above steps with your advice, I'd once again rinse the plant in tap water, then in a bit of tank water or regularly dechlorinated water before introducing the plant into the tank. Sound like a plan?

By the way, the current plant that prompts my questions is Java moss that I bought on eBay.

Thanks if you can help!

andy65

go here.
I used PP it was easy. Just DON"T get it on you. The stuff if very nasty. You can get it at most major home supply stores,the only thing is that is a bit$$$.
IF you use PP go out and buy a bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide,if you don't have any in the house.
If it get on your fingers just soak your finger in the Hydrogen Peroxide for 10 min. BUT please TRY and NOT GET IT ONE YOU if you use it.

calinb

Here's another link:
http://www.fishpondinfo.com/snail.htm#stop

I've had better results with bleach than potassium permanganate (I've had some snail survivors with PP). I also soak the plants longer than 2 minutes in the 20:1 bleach solution--as long as 10 minutes.

-Cal