MarTeeNez

Hi, folks. I have a small tank that I put non-alum dipped plants, and not only did it get weird little sideways rams horns (look like mini danishes), but it also got [shudder] LEECHES!! [skinny, red, move like inch-worms] It's my pygmy cory breeding tank, so I moved everybody out, pulled all the removable rocks, plants, and anything to go into an alum dip for 4 hours. Since leeches were hanging out in the substrate, I loaded enough alum to handle it's 15 gallons, put the sponge in, stirred up the substrate during the 4 hours. It was gross. I did get a few pissed off leeches, lots of dead snails, but I don't think I'll ever get the substrate clean. Can an activated carbon filter pull out leftover alum from the water column? I've already put full clean water and swished around all the substrate. Twice. But I don't want to risk my pygmy cory babies and best breeders! Kudos to @Irene for her detailed scientific method! I've had horrible experiences with plants through my local aquarium society, and live by the alum dip for any plants transferring from tank to tank inside my own house!