well im setting up a small tank and i dont want any snails or pest algae

so im going to dunk all new plants in potassium permanganate but i dont know where i could get it

Trademe. Search condys crystals

For some obscure reason, one of our local organic health food shops has it in little bottles for sale, so you could try some of those down your way.

I got mine from Oderings ...try your nearest garden store. Or ask at the chemist

Mine was bottled in a small plastic jar that I almost didn't see so ask if you can't find it. It was near the stump rotter which is potassium nitrate

Use gloves and you only need the tiniest pinch.. just a few grains at a time.

ok so if i get this

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Business-farmi ... 112964.htm

how would i use it on plants

would i just dunk the plant in for 20 - 30 secounds and then wash in fresh water????

No you mix up a pink solution in a bucket with some water and leave the plants in it for half an hour. then you give them a quick rinse and put them in the tank. you shouldn't put them into it for any longer, but in saying that, i have left plants in PP overnight (accidently) and they were fine.

how much do i wix up with water

There isn't really a ratio, but you need to mix it up until it is a nice pinky solution. It only takes a very small amount, so don't overdo it

ok

I would make up a stock solution and use that. Put i/2 a teaspoon into a 200mls bottle and shake well. Use that as your stock solution.

hth,

ron

Cant remember what ratio my stock solution is but its alot easier that way. Still got nearly a litre of it :-? Usually lasts for a year or so apparently

I nuked my native tank with the stuff for a few hours and there are still snails running around in the tank....

lol how much did you put in

I remember reading somewhere that for snail eggs you may need to leave plants as long as 24 hours. I believe most plants can handle it.

But if you can find eggs on the plants maybe you can remove some manually.

Ron or Sharn. When you make up a stock solution, then whats the ratio that you use to make up a solution for plants? just pour it in until its the right colour?

Yes, make the water purple (very strong). Best to get a bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide to neutralise it after you're done so it doesn't stain everything that touches it. It's only a few bucks a bottle and you d only need a few drops to do it.

ron

Cheers ron

yea thanks alot ron