Hi,
I'm looking to get a floating plant for my tank, but I've had no luck at my local fish store. I'm thinking of trying Dustin's Fish Tank online - has anyone ordered from them with good results?
I'm also curious about how to safely clean the plant before adding it to my tank. I've got fish in there already, so I don't want to risk introducing anything that could mess up the parameters. How do you guys clean your plants to get rid of snail eggs or other unwanted hitchhikers?
Thanks!
Acclimating a new plant to your aquarium: a step-by-step guide
Re: Acclimating a new plant to your aquarium: a step-by-step guide
I'm concerned that if I don't take precautions, the snails might overpopulate my tank, but I'm not entirely sure if that's a legitimate worry. I think I've just picked up on people's general aversion to snails and assumed it was a problem. Having a few wouldn't bother me, but the thought of dozens stuck all over the place is a bit overwhelming.
What's the usual protocol when it comes to washing plants before adding them to the tank? Do most people give them a rinse or just add them straight in? I want to make sure I'm not putting my fish at risk by introducing the plant without taking proper precautions.
What's the usual protocol when it comes to washing plants before adding them to the tank? Do most people give them a rinse or just add them straight in? I want to make sure I'm not putting my fish at risk by introducing the plant without taking proper precautions.
Re: Acclimating a new plant to your aquarium: a step-by-step guide
If you've got a spare tank or container lying around, you could quarantine the plants in there for a bit, changing the water daily.
Snails are actually beneficial to your tank's ecosystem, like Pheonix mentioned. They only become a problem when their numbers get out of hand. To prevent that, just limit their food supply. Don't overfeed your fish, and make sure to siphon out any uneaten food and waste. Regularly clean your filter as well, as snails can thrive on the brown gunk that builds up on the media.
Using copper to treat for snails isn't a good idea if you've got ornamental snails or shrimps in the tank - it'll kill them too.
Snails are actually beneficial to your tank's ecosystem, like Pheonix mentioned. They only become a problem when their numbers get out of hand. To prevent that, just limit their food supply. Don't overfeed your fish, and make sure to siphon out any uneaten food and waste. Regularly clean your filter as well, as snails can thrive on the brown gunk that builds up on the media.
Using copper to treat for snails isn't a good idea if you've got ornamental snails or shrimps in the tank - it'll kill them too.
Re: Acclimating a new plant to your aquarium: a step-by-step guide
I really appreciate all the advice - thanks, everyone. I'm thinking I might just skip the dipping process altogether. Although I don't currently plan on getting shrimp or snails, you never know what might change in the future.
If it's not going to put my fish's health at risk, I'll probably just add the water sprite plant straight to the tank when it arrives. It'll save me the extra hassle, and that sounds good to me.
If it's not going to put my fish's health at risk, I'll probably just add the water sprite plant straight to the tank when it arrives. It'll save me the extra hassle, and that sounds good to me.
Re: Acclimating a new plant to your aquarium: a step-by-step guide
To make a chlorine dip, mix 19 parts water to one part bleach. This is a tried and tested method for getting rid of unwanted critters on your plants. I've used it many times myself and it's worked a treat.
First, submerge the plant in the solution for 90 seconds. Don't leave it in for too long, or it might damage the plant. Then, rinse it thoroughly with tap water to get rid of any remaining bleach.
Next, put the plant in a bowl of water with some dechlorinator added to it. Leave it in there for a few minutes - I find 7 minutes does the trick. This will help remove any remaining chlorine from the plant.
After that, you can safely add the plant to your tank without worrying about introducing any unwanted hitchhikers. I've even used this method to remove algae from my plants, and it's worked wonders.
First, submerge the plant in the solution for 90 seconds. Don't leave it in for too long, or it might damage the plant. Then, rinse it thoroughly with tap water to get rid of any remaining bleach.
Next, put the plant in a bowl of water with some dechlorinator added to it. Leave it in there for a few minutes - I find 7 minutes does the trick. This will help remove any remaining chlorine from the plant.
After that, you can safely add the plant to your tank without worrying about introducing any unwanted hitchhikers. I've even used this method to remove algae from my plants, and it's worked wonders.