How Do You Deal with Plant Pests?

[floodline]

My Anubias has been getting these tiny white bugs lately, and I'm not sure how to handle it. Tried rinsing the leaves, but they keep coming back. Anyone got tips for dealing with pests without nuking the whole tank?

[turfman]

Those sound like aphids. I've had luck with a diluted hydrogen peroxide dip, 3 parts water to 1 part peroxide. Just dunk the affected leaves for a few seconds, then rinse well. Keep an eye on your shrimp if you've got any, they're sensitive to it.

[Dazzle]

Yikes, bugs in the tank? That's a nightmare. I'd just yank the plant out and start over, but that's probably not helpful. Maybe try neem oil? Heard it works for some stuff.

[Hampuk]

Yikes, bugs in the tank? That's a nightmare. I'd just yank the plant out and start over, but that's probably not helpful. Maybe try neem oil? Heard it works for some stuff.

Neem oil can be sketchy in aquariums, it's better for terrestrial plants. For aquatic pests, manual removal and dips are safer. Turfman's peroxide method is solid, but if it's persistent, you might need to quarantine the plant and treat with alum.

[morgel]

Alum dips are my go-to for stubborn pests. 1 tablespoon per gallon of water, soak for 3 hours, then rinse. Kills most hitchhikers without wrecking the plant. Just don't use it on mosses, they'll melt.

[floodline]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Gonna try the peroxide dip first and see how it goes. Appreciate the help!

[folkyst]

If it's aphids, ladybugs are a natural predator. Not sure how you'd get 'em in the tank though, ha. Seriously though, peroxide or alum should do the trick. Keep us posted.

[estra]

I've had success with a quick bleach dip for really bad infestations. 1 part bleach to 20 parts water, 2 minutes max, then rinse thoroughly. Works like a charm, but it's a last resort.

[daisy65]

Bleach sounds scary! I'd stick with the peroxide or alum. Less chance of nuking the whole plant. Also, check your other plants, pests can spread fast.

[hazer]

Agree with daisy65. Prevention's key. I always quarantine new plants for a week or two before adding them to the main tank. Saves a lot of headaches later.