Introducing Live Plants To A Fish Tank

[qoftheq]

What do I need to do when introducing new plants into a fish tank? A friend of mine said I should rinse them in a very diluted bleach solution to get rid of parasites. Is this true? Anything else I need to think about when adding live plants?

 

[SPLiSH]

Rinsing them in bleach would most likely harm them, and would definately harm your fish, even in a tiny amount, if any remained on the plant.

Warm water usually gets rid of any foreign particles, don't use scalding hot as it'll hurt the plants.

The 'parasites' your friend means are probably snails - almost every planted tank has them. Picking them off when you get the plants and maybe using a snail-rid soak BEFORE you put plants in the tank, then thoroughly rinsing will stop them invading.

 

[liv4evrordietryin!]

there really aren't any parasites on live plants. there's almost always snail eggs on live plants. it is possible though to buy plants that are guaranteed snail egg free. if you don't go that way (which can be a little more expensive) just rinsing the plants really well should get rid of almost all of them.

 

[heresmike]

Rinsing the plants in a 10% bleach solution will not harm the plants, and may kill any snails or snail eggs hiding in the plants and on the roots.

 

[pica_nuttalli]

just give them a good rinsing afterwards (and maybe dunk them in some double-dechlorinated water).

just don't let any delicate plants like cabomba or java moss be exposed to the bleach solution for very long; thin-leaved plants are more sensitive than say an anubius or a swordplant. a couple of seconds should do it.