(Non-urgent) Additions to my tank

Hi all! This is a non-urgent question that I’d like to ask.
I’ve just been to my LFS and picked up some wonderful items - a beautiful piece of wood and what I believe is some needle-leaf java fern.
I was very excited.
Now of course, it is my responsibility to research how to make sure these things are safe for my tank. However, any tips are welcome.
Java fern tips?
Any other ways to make the wood extra-safe? It is sitting in boiled water as I type this.
Tips on eradicating snails? I’ve got some hydrogen peroxide with me, any tips on what percentage of hydrogen peroxide should be in the solution and how I should do it? Spray? Dip? For how long? I really don’t want snails, if they breed I won’t have the heart to get rid of them.
Once again, it’s totally my responsibility to research for myself, and I certainly will. However, any tips from my FishLore friends are welcome!
This is coming from someone rather new to the hobby.
Thank you so much!

 

Once again, it’s totally my responsibility to research for myself, and I certainly will.

I would certainly count this as researching and doing your due diligence!
1. I would use liquid ferts for my java fern. The leaves absorb the nutrients and the roots are for anchoring. I would attach it to a piece of wood via super glue (gel) A general all-in-one liquid fert can be easily found and there are several brand names that get consistently recommended.
2. The wood should already be safe for the aquarium. I never boil the wood mainly because I don't have a large enough vessel for such endeavors, but also boiling the wood will significantly increase the time the wood degrades.
3. I am not aware of any solution, that won't kill your plants, as being 100% effective on snails or snail eggs. I have used Alum in the past and have heard of other compounds such as bleach being used for such purposes. I think snails are beneficial to the aquarium so I keep them. As long as you are not overfeeding the tank, "pest" snails do not become a problem. It is when people overfeed their fish that "pest" snail populations explode.

Good luck!

 

That’s good to know!
It is now in my tank, I’m very happy with it.

The only snails that could possibly be on it are ramshorns, so even if there are some they shouldn’t cause a massive issue.

If they ever did, my LFS gave us the option to give them back, which is an option I’d always want to have and am very grateful for.

I dipped the plants in H2O2 for 3 minutes. I’m not sure if this was the right decision, I saw a few websites recommending a dip in the solution. If anyone were to try this, please thoroughly research the percentage and solution and time and more, as well as whether it is definitely safe for the plants.
It’s also not a 100% fix, there is a good chance it won’t be effective.

Thank you for the help, I’ll definitely consider this advice and thoroughly research and double check it all, thank you!

 

Driftwood is expensive at the store for me. I managed to find a nice piece of driftwood near the Georgian Bay Lake (in Canada). It was too big and awkwardly shaped for me to boil in a pot, so I rinsed it, then cleaned it with a brush. Afterwards, I rinsed it again with boiling water. Then I just anchored it into my tank with a large rock. Never clouded my water. No issues with my livestock either.

Store bought driftwood, as stated, should be safe to use as is when you buy it. Boiling it will just make it extra safe.

 

Thanks! Some say boiling the wood is safer as it kills some possible dangers others say not to as it decays faster and this could release harmful substances too.
To anyone considering this; I don’t at all know the correct answer. Just do your own thorough and complete two-sided research. You could even check with a reputable professional. This would be what I would do.
Good luck!

 

It is not an either or thing. Boiling will sterilize and drive air out of the driftwood, that is fact. Boiling wood also makes it decay faster, that is also fact.

There is no correct answer, as it comes down to personal preference. There is no "best" way and some compromises will have to be made.