New plants and snails?

[Amelia]

So I am starting a new tank and my plants should arrive from aquarium coop in a few hours. I am wondering if there is a possibility that there will be snails on the plants? I do not want them and will take precautions if necessary. Thanks for a heads up!

[OceanTruth]

There is always that possibility from whomever you order from. I believe the only true snail free option is ordering plant cultures.

Edited February 14, 2021 by OceanTruth
Typo

[gardenman]

Less of a possibility and more of a certainty. I got two red ramshorn snails in my order. I was happy about it as I like snails and had just bought some red and blue ramshorn snails a few weeks earlier. They were very small and in a completely different tank from the ones I'd bought, so I was happy. If you absolutely don't want snails then tissue-cultured plants are your only real option.

[Amelia]

Thank you, I am only really concerned about the snails that take over a tank- I do enjoy the others that don’t procreate much! Is dipping the plants in salt water or alum effective?

[lefty o]

you will more than likely get snails with the plants.

[Will Billy]

I believe alum is the best at removing snails, while hydrogen peroxide is a bit better at removing pest algae like BBA. However i will caution you that some species of plants can be affected negatively by plant dips, while most other species would be fine. What plants are you planing to buy? That would help us determine if the plant dip would be safe for your plants. 

[Jungle Fan]

Snails will only take over the tank if there is a major imbalance with nutrients, meaning light, or ferts, fish waste, or left over fish food. In a tank where you do regular large water changes and keep an eye on water values you will likely never experience a "coup of the Snails." LOL I deliberately employ Nerite snails, especially the Zebra Nerites and Military Helmet Nerite Snails to help with controlling algae in my tank.

[Amelia]

I’m getting Monte Carlo, bacopa caroliniana, anubias nana, Amazon sword, vallisneria, cryprocoryne wendtii, and Christmas moss. 

[Will Billy]

I wouldnt dip the Vallisneria, or Bacopa. I know from personal experience. Anubias, Amazon sword, and Cryptocorye, will all be fine in an alum dip. Im unsure of Monte Carlo, and Christmas moss, as i have never dipped those before. For your Val and Bacopa i would recommend standard quarantine, with physically removing the snails. 

[Maggie]

I've dipped some Marimo moss balls,  anubias, dwarf water lettuce, and crypt in alum, and so far they're doing fine. The crypt lost all its leaves but all mine have pretty much done that anyway, and grew back. The roots are still strong and healthy. I currently have java moss in alum treatment.

[Amelia]

I should only dip for 2-3 hours with alum right?

[Struggle]

Girl Talks Fish did a really good video on this that might help out some.

 

[Will Billy]

1 table spoon per gallon of water. Soak for about 24 hours. 

[Amelia]

Also is it necessary to quarantine the plants in a separate tank if I don’t have fish yet?

[Will Billy]

If snails are the issue, then yes. They will migrate rather quickly around your tank, and soon start breeding. Also if you plan to use alum dip, you wont want it in your tank permanently. 

[Amelia]

Yes I just thought that through a bit more and realized that that was a dumb question 😬. Thx for all of your help!

[Will Billy]

There is never a dumb question. Better to be sure, than sorry. My uncle used to say it is far more damaging to be misunderstood, than to be not understood at all. Usually an incorrect action can cause more harm than no action at all. Happy to help, and enjoy your new plants. 😊

[Jungle Fan]

The only stupid question is the one that remains unasked because of pride but turns out to be of vital importance in hindsight.

[FishyJames]

My first plant order had bladder/pond snails.  😑

[Amelia]

I have all my plants in quarantine, some looking better than others after being in transit for 8 days, ugh. I’m a bit hesitant to plant the Monte Carlo as I am understanding it will take over the floor . I would prefer to have small areas of it and attach it to a piece of wood. Is this possible to do? Would it stay in a pot or still end up all over the place?