Psychlist1972

I looked around in the forums here, and couldn't find any info on this (other than using hydrogen peroxide to clean algae) so my apologies if this is a FAQ.

What is the recommended approach to cleaning plants you purchase from the store or online? I'm looking to remove any hitchhikers including pond snails, parasites, worms, etc.

I once read something about a salt bath, but haven't found any info since.

Pete

JoeSmo

Well, I have heard that you can dip them in a bleach solution (about one part bleach to twenty parts water) for about three seconds, and then rince them off in tank water. But I'd wait for more input on this because I'm not alway the best advice-giver lol.

Good Luck!

CHoffman

I'm interested in this question too. I was about ready to ask it myself.

jclee

I've read that quick dips in mild dip solutions work, as well, but I can't recall where to give an exact link. I know that the solution for terrestrial mosses is 1 cup/gallon for 3 minutes, but that sounds way too strong for aquatics. I use ~ 1 capful of bleach/gallon when bleaching out fishtanks between uses (and rinse thoroughly and repeatedly afterwards), and I think I might try that concentration for a quick bleach dip. If you have stem plants, you could always test a stem (or maybe even a leaf) before hand, and dilute the solution if that seems too strong. (Of course, you would want to wash the plant thoroughly afterward so that you don't accidentally bleach your fish.)

Frankly, I never "treat" my plants in this way. I just rinse thorougly in cool tap water, and eye-inspect for visible stragglers. The only hanger-on I ever really worry about is the ocassional snail, and they (and their eggs) can be seen with the eye and picked off.

Butterfly

Here you go all the plant disinfection information you'll probably ever need
http://www.aquajake.com/blog/plantin...fore-or-after/
Carol

Psychlist1972

@Butterfly that's a great link, thanks!

Looks like Potassium Permanganate is the way to go

Pete

Butterfly

Welcome

cerianthus

Unless you are aware of waht this is, I wouldnt recommend it for your safety.
ABSOLUTELY NO NO for CHILDREN
This is very powerful substance and cant believe it is recommended w/o proper warning.


If you know where and how to obtain and prepare proper concentration nd adult, Go for it.

Look into product called AQUARISOL by Aquarium Products if you dont want to dye your fingers/hands or whatever it may come in contact with.

Nate McFin

I used the 1 part bleach to 19 parts water method myself (3 minute dip). I had no snails until I got moss that I was afraid to dip. I am so mad at myself for not treating all the plants as I have tons of snails now. I am in the process of setting up a 55 and I will be doing a QT along with dips for plants to make sure there are no hitchikers in the future.

ADD- Very nice link there!

Butterfly

If you read to the bottom of the page there is a proper warning and a recommendation :*******Safety googles or glasses and rubber gloves are a GREAT idea when handling these chemicals.**********

Psychlist1972

@cerianthus

Thanks for the warning. In my various hobbies, I deal with some pretty nasty stuff (MEK in model building, various solvents in woodworking, cement for some projects etc.) so I'll be careful I'll make sure to store it well out of my children's reach, though. Thanks for the note there.

While I don't want to minimize the danger or the concern, the stuff many of us use to clean our house (showers etc.) on a regular basis is nastier than many of the things we deal with in our hobbies. Heck, the caustic soda my water softener used before we switched to soda ash was some pretty scary stuff

PP, according to wikipedia, has been used in drinking water to remove smell and to disinfect, in dilute form to treat canker sores and to disinfect hands. It does mention that when combined with some acids, you can make explosives. I think I'll pass on that use


FWIW, Aqua Botanic has their own version of PP available starting next week. It's in liquid form. I ordered some of that as part of my plant order. No idea if it contains anything other than PP.

http://www.aquabotanicstore.com/Aqua...p/abdis-16.htm

Pete

sirdarksol

Other than a very strong colorant, it's actually not really that dangerous. It is a mild skin irritant, harmful if swallowed (but then, as Psychlist said, we've got much nastier stuff in many of our cabinets), and it shouldn't be mixed with other chemicals (but again, neither should many of our cleaning chemicals).
(This info from the MSDS for the chemical)

Psychlist: Thanks for the link regarding the potassium permanganate plant cleaner. While it's more expensive than making your own, not many people are going to find use for a pound of the crystallized stuff when they only need a tiny amount each time they want to sterilize some plants. Liquid is easier to work with, and because it's a bit diluted, it will be easier to dose, as well.