James_in_MN
Aquarium Advice FINatic
I've bought some new plants for my tank, but wanted to clean them of any unwanted snails (pond, ramshorns) before adding them.
I've read about a number of dipping solutions I could try, including hydrogen peroxide and saltwater. Neither of those seemed to have much effect when I tried them.
My next attempt was going to be potassium permanganate. The question is, how much should I add to the water in order to use it without damaging my plants? I had read that I should add enough to turn the water pink, but a very small amount seems to be turning the water a dark purple. I am only using a basin that probably doesn't hold much over a gallon of water, which may be complicating my attempt to get the right mixture.
Once I get the right amount, should I just dip the plants in, or should I soak them for a period of time? Also, with the note on the front of the bottle that the potassium permanganate causes severe burns, should I watch how I'm using it, maybe even wearing gloves when dipping the plants?
I've read about a number of dipping solutions I could try, including hydrogen peroxide and saltwater. Neither of those seemed to have much effect when I tried them.
My next attempt was going to be potassium permanganate. The question is, how much should I add to the water in order to use it without damaging my plants? I had read that I should add enough to turn the water pink, but a very small amount seems to be turning the water a dark purple. I am only using a basin that probably doesn't hold much over a gallon of water, which may be complicating my attempt to get the right mixture.
Once I get the right amount, should I just dip the plants in, or should I soak them for a period of time? Also, with the note on the front of the bottle that the potassium permanganate causes severe burns, should I watch how I'm using it, maybe even wearing gloves when dipping the plants?