Is there a proven way to decontaminate the more delicate moss and water plants? The 10% bleach solution sounds rather harsh on them...
In the past, treated water plants with chemicals (normally copper type) that killed all parasites and pests then flush plants with TONS of water to remove traces of chemical before introduction to tank.
Posts: 4,450
Threads: 398
Joined: Jun 2004
The most popular way is the 10% bleach solution. I can't say it is 100% effective for all parasites and such , but seems to work very well. Ovens bake stuff like leaf litter and such. Also autoclaves.
Rich
Darts with parasites are analogous to mixed tanks, there are no known benefits to the frogs with either.
If tone is more important to you than content, you are at the wrong place.
My new email address is: rich.frye@icloud.com and new phone number is 773 577 3476
But will the plants survive the process? (Doubt it will with the baking.)
I guess I can experiment with Java moss since those are more weedlike than anything else...
Posts: 1,119
Threads: 118
Joined: Jun 2004
Bleach will remove the chlorophyll from the moss.
Posts: 285
Threads: 48
Joined: May 2008
i heard you can't sanitize moss effectively. such as riccia and stuff. am i wrong? i want to put the most sanitized things i can in our new viv dart room.
Posts: 285
Threads: 48
Joined: May 2008
think i found a better idea if there are some worried about mosses like riccia....rinsing should be ok however....but you can also buy riccia moss seeds.
Here's a thought---most parasites have a life cycle. Some lie dormant, but you research the parasites relevant to frogs and maybe just preserve the moss/water plants in a place apart from the frogs for a set amount of time that would allow the parasites to die off. But, that may not work for all parasites...
Posts: 118
Threads: 10
Joined: Aug 2008
I've never heard of riccia moss seeds! Where do you buy them? How long does it take to start growing?
Fran