Bleach Dip For Aquarium Plants

Hi there! This article is about how to bleach dip new plants for your aquarium. This dip is the way I use to ensure that I am not introducing any algae or hitchhikers to my tanks. These are my personal notes and procedure. Please remember that what works for me may not work for you.

Notes:

• Dip times:
  • Mosses, crypts, and plants with delicate or thin leaves or more sensitive stem plants like carpeting plants (<70 secs)
  • Most stem plants and average plants like Rotala and Bucephalandra species (<90 secs)
  • Tough plants such as Anubias and Java Fern (<110 secs)
• 1:20 bleach to water ratio
  • This ratio is for 5% bleach
• Use 5% unscented bleach
• Have a bin of dechlorinated water ready with at least 2x normal dechlorinator in it
• Wear gloves to protect against the bleach
• I wash my plants upsidedown so that the water can cover more of the plant
• This dip does NOT need to be done on tissue cultures

Warnings:

• Bleach can cause skin damage, be sure to wear gloves
• This method is what works for me, but this could result in dead plants
• I usually do less than the times above to be on the safe side
• You can always bleach more, you can't bleach less
• Some people are allergic to bleach, do not do this if you are allergic
• You may feel itchy legs when you do this (at least I do for some reason)

Procedure:

1. Remove any visible pests, cut any melting or algae ridden leaves, and remove rockwool and other potting supplies or weights
2. Remove excess debris
   • For tough plants, submerge and shake
   • For delicate plants rinse under running water
3. Make the bleach dip and set up the dechlorinated bath
4. Dip (See above for times)
5. Rinse plants
   • First rinse under running water for 1 minute to make sure all bleach is off, be sure to get leaves too
   • Put in the dechlorinated bath and let soak for at least 5 minutes
   • The plants are ready for the aquarium when they no longer smell of bleach (if needed repeat a and b until c is achieved)
6. Done! Time to celebrate and add them to the tank.

Good luck,
AcornTheBetta