Sterilizing new plants

[Steve]

Just wondered if anyone here has a method they like/use for sterilizing new plants to make sure they are disease and snail free? I have a bunch of new plants coming in for the frontosa tank and would like to make sure they are clean before adding them to the tank. I have looked and found some will suggest potassium permanganate dips, but only place I have found potassium permanganate is Lowes and they want $34 for 5lbs of it. So looking for a better/lower cost way. Have heard bleach can be used but have not been able to find the correct suggested mix ratio anywhere online.

[jkeeler]

Do a search on Alum Powder and Aquarium Plants.  Never tried it myself.

[Steve]

Did a little reading on the Alum last night but from what I gather it is a bit more harsh on some species of plants, so didn't really want to use that unless I had too. Might end up having too though, no way I'm paying $30+ for that other stuff lol

[Ogre44]

I'm pretty sure you can do a peroxide dip to get rid of unwanted guests.

[mibwb]

Some suggestions...
 
Rinse plants under running water..before adding to tank
Put plants in a QT just like you would new fish...

Dips...

Lime water 1 part to 6 parts for 10 mins, then rinse with aquarium water...
White vinegar or bleach 1 part to 20 parts for 2 mins, then rinse...
Alum  1-2 tablespoons per gallon for 2-3 hours, then rinse...
Alum soak 3 tablespoons 1 gallon for 2-3 days, throw in a fluke tab, then rinse....kill snails and eggs
H2O2 3% 5 minutes, then rinse...
Flubendazole  1gm to 1 gallon, then rinse...

Potassium permanganate add to water until dark pink for 10 -20 minutes, rinse very thoroughly.....and wear non-porous gloves. I would use potassium metabisulfite instead of  potassium permanganate it's cheaper

[Steve]

Didn't know that peroxide was something that could be used. Been doing some googling of that and that looks like it may be an easy and safe way to treat the plants, I think I may end giving that a shot thanks for the suggestion ogre & Mike.

[mightieskeeper]

Wow, Mike those are lots of good ways to kill snails.   Steve if you do use peroxide, please review your experience.  I'm curious how it does on plants. I know they use it on corals.

[JG]

A friend of mine uses peroxide on fish eggs successfully as well.

[mibwb]

Using peroxide, make sure you know the percentage.....makes a big difference on how much to use.
Peroxide is sold in three strengths 3%, 6%, 9% to the general public...

I am using 3% solution in these examples... dilute according to the strength you're using....   

Peroxide 3% 1 part to 5 parts water for 30 minutes, then rinse...
Peroxide 3% full strength 1-2 minutes, then rinse.....but it will kill any nonvascular plants....

Using H2O2 to clean a tank is safer then bleach....because after exposure to light and air within 24 hours H2O2 turns into H2O (water) where bleach remains bleach....

Be warned....H2O2 will kill all bio matter good and bad, so keep this in mind when cleaning any filter with bio matter(media)....

So next time you need to clean any aquarium items...try peroxide....
Peroxide can be used for many reasons in aqua....wounds on fish, conditioning eggs and more....
But, as with any advice, do your own research.......

Also, as for killing snails or their eggs it depends on treatment and their exposure time to the treatment