Adding algae-infested plants to a new tank: a good idea?

[Ireno]

I've been dealing with hair algae issues in my main tank, mainly on the brazilkento4 pennywort - it's like a magnet for the stuff. I did a big plant cull, getting rid of the ones that were beyond saving.

I picked up a cheap 20L tank today, complete with filter and heater - total impulse buy. Now I'm thinking about possible layouts for it, probably a shrimp/hospital/quarantine tank.

I've got a bunch of brazilkento4 pennywort cuttings that would otherwise go to waste... Would it be a bad idea to throw some in the new tank and see how it goes, or am I just asking for trouble down the line if I try to save a few bucks?

[BadgersSong]

I'd suggest trying to rescue those pennywort cuttings - they're too good to waste. Fill a big bowl with water, add a generous dollop of hydrogen peroxide, and soak the plants for an hour or two. That should kill off the algae without harming the plants too badly.

[cichlidgirl22]

If you've got a well-balanced setup in the new tank, the algae should naturally die off, but I'm not sure I'd want to risk it with the pennywort, considering how much the algae seem to love it.

[kokomo]

You can also try a diluted bleach solution - around 5-10 percent - for a short period, like five minutes max, less if you're dealing with delicate species. After that, gently rub the leaves to dislodge the algae.

Next, submerge the plants in a bucket of clean, conditioned water for around 10 minutes or so. Then, give them a good rinse before returning them to the tank. Keep in mind, some plants might not make it through this process. But the ones that do will be algae-free.

To effectively combat algae, controlling nutrients in the water and lighting is key. Since your new tank is relatively low in nutrients, it should help.

[muddywave]

Honestly, I'm a fan of the bleach method - I just wing it with the amount, but I'm careful not to leave the plants in for more than 2 minutes. I recently got some new plants and, I'm ashamed to admit, I didn't bother with the bleach dip before adding them to the tank. It's frustrating, really - my laziness always seems to get the better of me. I swear, it's like I know better, but I just can't seem to follow through.

[kokomo]

I always dip plants in a bleach solution for tanks I want to keep completely snail-free.

[shakinStevens]

I've noticed that algae can thrive in low-nutrient environments, but that's often at the expense of plant growth. If you're seeing algae growth and your plants aren't doing well, it could be a sign that your water is lacking in nutrients. I'd recommend checking your nutrient levels and considering adding a fertilizer to support plant growth.

[Burgermuncher]

You can also try a diluted bleach solution - around 5-10 percent - for a short period, like five minutes max, less if you're dealing with delicate species. After that, gently rub the leaves to dislodge the algae.

Next, submerge the plants in a bucket of clean, conditioned water for around 10 minutes or so. Then, give them a good rinse before returning them to the tank. Keep in mind, some plants might not make it through this process. But the ones that do will be algae-free.

To effectively combat algae, controlling nutrients in the water and lighting is key. Since your new tank is relatively low in nutrients, it should help.

I'd like to add a note of caution here. When using household bleach, it's crucial to dilute it properly. A 1 part bleach to 20 parts water ratio is recommended, but most household bleaches are only 3-9% Sodium Hypochlorite. Using full-strength 5% bleach would be too harsh and likely destroy your plants.

In my experience, a 0.25% concentration, achieved by diluting household bleach with 20 parts water, is generally tolerated by most plants for a short period. However, I've found that some plants, like my Jungle Vals, can be heavily set back by a 2-minute treatment at this concentration. They may suffer tissue damage that takes time to recover from.

For more sensitive plants, I recommend a 1-minute treatment or less. It's also essential to rinse the plants in fresh water immediately after treatment. I only use this method when I'm unsure what a plant might be carrying, such as store-bought plants or those transferred from a tank with snails. I don't think it's worth trying to remove algae with chemicals, as it's a persistent issue that's difficult to eradicate.

[kokomo]

Just a quick clarification, the dilution ratio for a 10% household bleach solution is indeed 1:20, and for a 5% solution, it's 1:10.