do you quarantine new plants?

[bluemuse]

Just got some new Anubias and Java Fern from my LFS. Do y'all quarantine new plants before adding them to your main tank? I've heard mixed things about pests and algae hitchhikers.

[tender]

I always quarantine, man. Last time I didn't, I ended up with a snail infestation that took weeks to clean up. Not worth the risk, ya know?

[AzureHunt]

Quarantine is a must for me. I use a separate 5-gallon tank with low light and no ferts for about two weeks. Gives me time to spot any issues before they hit my main setup.

[trailblz]

Quarantine is a must for me. I use a separate 5-gallon tank with low light and no ferts for about two weeks. Gives me time to spot any issues before they hit my main setup.

That's a solid plan. I do something similar but with a 10-gallon. More room to spread out the plants and check for pests.

[Finkeeper]

Quarantine isn't just about pests. It's also a chance to acclimate plants to your water params. I've seen melt happen when plants go straight from store water to my hard tap. A slow transition helps.

[bluemuse]

Thanks for the input, everyone. Gonna set up a quarantine tank this weekend. Any tips on what to look for during those two weeks?

[tender]

Keep an eye out for snails, obviously, but also weird vibes like fuzzy growths or tiny bugs. I've had planaria show up before, and those guys are a pain.

[AzureHunt]

Check the leaves for any discoloration or holes. Sometimes stores have plants with nutrient deficiencies or damage that isn't obvious at first glance.

[trailblz]

I'd also recommend a quick dip in diluted hydrogen peroxide before quarantine. Kills off any algae spores or hitchhikers right off the bat. Just don't leave 'em in too long.

[Finkeeper]

I'd also recommend a quick dip in diluted hydrogen peroxide before quarantine. Kills off any algae spores or hitchhikers right off the bat. Just don't leave 'em in too long.

Yep, 3:1 water to peroxide ratio for about 5 minutes works wonders. Rinse well after.