JennDFK

There is tons of water lettuce in out local river. It is not native, but was introduced accidentally and has flourished. I was thinking about putting some in my tank. Thoughts? Suggestions? What would I need to do to make sure that there were no nasty bugs or parasites introduced?

Thanks,
Jenn

Llama

Hmm, bleaching the plant in aquarium bleach is a way of killing off anything which is living on it without murdering the plant itself. Not sure how safe it is though.

pepetj

I keep water lettuce in some of my tanks. One of my betta males simply eat their roots out but the others appreciate this plant. Silver Dollars are a menace since they snack on it!. Ocassionally my Severums and Oscars went after them as well.

If you provide fair feeding (fertilizers) they should adapt to your lighting. Give them time to do so, and if you have standard lights, your water lettuce will likely develop smaller yet beautifully rounded leaves. It is usually attacked by a parasite insect which is hard to kill. I suggest you quarantine those plants (place in a bucket) and make sure you kill those very little (dot like) bugs that move like crazy.

Pepe
Santo Domingo

JennDFK

Well I collected the plants and I have them in a bucket of water outside. I don't see any dot-like bugs... but I don't want to risk anything.

What is aquarium safe bleach? I've never heard of it.

I read on another thread someone suggesting a bleach wash and a good soaking in dechlorinated water. Anyone know a good ratio to kill the nasties without killing the plant?

I also was told long ago at my LFS that a salt water bath would kill parasites... I have some aquarium salts...but unfortunatly the guy who suggested it no longer works there.

hmmmmm... So many question...just wondering if it'll be safe or if they would do better in the bird bath...lol

Llama

Usually the 'bleach' for aquarium use is 19 parts water to 1 part bleach, and then rinse very well with water.

Don't know how it'll affect the plants though

gremlin

Water lettuce is one of the "banned" plants in Arizona. It does so well here, especially in the summer, that it is considered a hazardous plant. Somewhere, I heard that a dip in alum and water would kill snail eggs and other parasites - I'll see if I can find the info for you.

(hums Jeopardy theme while searching on google on another tab)

Found the following info when I was looking for the ratio for the alum bath. Hope it helps.

Plants can also carry fungus, bacteria, snails, algae, and diseases. It is advisable to disinfect the new arrivals. Potassium permanganate (10 minute bath) will rid the plants of bacteria.

Snails and their eggs can be removed with a 2 day bath in alum using 1-2 tablespoons and one Gallon of water.

Commercially available plants are kept without fish, which will eliminate the risk of introducing diseases. If in doubt a 3 week holding period will eliminate most threatening diseases such as velvet or ICH due to the lack of a host.

Plants showing algae growth can be dipped in a 1:20 bleach solution for not more than 2-3 minutes. Rinse and wash off the plants after the dip in water treated with a conditioner to de-chlorinate the plants before placing them in the tank.

JennDFK

Thanks for all the info on cleaning the plants... Now I know why people spend money on plants... That sounds like a lot of work...hmmm... I'll have to think about it.

Thanks again,
Jenn