It doesn’t matter how reliable the supplier might be because it is important to know how to sanitize aquarium plants. This is to lessen risks and prevent parasites or other dangerous organisms from being introduced to the tank.
There are several methods of sterilization or disinfection that you can try before planting new plants in your aquarium.
Use Bleach
Bleach is an effective and strong disinfectant. This contains an active ingredient, sodium hypochlorite, that can denature protein in microorganisms that makes it effective when it comes to killing off bacteria, algae, parasites, viruses, and fungus. Household bleach can work fast and effective and this is also widely available at an affordable price. The diluted form of bleach is highly recommended to disinfect aquarium plants, equipment, and materials.
Use Potassium Permanganate
Potassium permanganate is a type of strong oxidizing agent that has disinfectant properties. This was used as a form of water softener and disinfectant before hypochlorites. This is a compound that hobbyists used to disinfect plants or ornaments before these are placed into the tank.
Potassium permanganate can help remove organic buildup in the tank water. This can also kill parasites, algae, fungi, and bacteria. Just take note that potassium permanganate can lose its potency once this is exposed to light. Thus, you need to keep the solution that you make safely away from any direct exposure to light.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a type of chemical compound. Once it is in pure form, hydrogen peroxide is a clear and pale blue liquid that is a bit viscous compared to water. Hydrogen peroxide is the simplest peroxide. This is often used as a form of antiseptic, bleaching agent, and oxidizer.
Hydrogen peroxide can come off as a quite strong oxidizer that can kill off the plants when dipped in it for an extended period of time. The good thing about hydrogen peroxide is that this can kill off parasites and algae.
Use Alum
Aluminum sulfate or simply alum is the mildest method of sterilization of aquarium plants. Even though the method can help primarily get rid of snails, this is not really that potent against bacteria and parasites.
When you sanitize aquarium plants using bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and potassium permanganate, don’t forget to wear gloves so you can keep your skin protected from chemical reactions or harm. Potassium permanganate can leave stains on the surfaces that it can come into contact with. This is why you need to protect the work area so you can avoid stains every time you use potassium pomegranate.
Sanitizing aquarium plants is a must. This is not something that you need to wonder if you should be doing it or not. You have to take note that the health of the inhabitants of your tank is at stake here if you don’t sterilize the plants first before you introduce them to your tank. You are free to choose the specific method that is most convenient for you. Sanitization is always the best practice to ensure the safety of your plants and the existing inhabitants of your tank.
I have a question for you. Do you want to learn how to clean a fish tank after disease?
