Potassium permanganate plant dip

[Beeman]

I am preparing to use pot. permanganate dip as a precaution against snails on newly acquired anubias. I did some internet research on this, all recommend it's use, but caution not to use on delicate plants. I wouldn't consider anubia delicate, at least judging by it's sturdy structure, but I want to be sure before I give it the plunge! Some also say to dip the tops only. Any advise based on first-hand experience much appreciated. Thanks in advance

 

[mchambers]

I can't answer your question, but another alternative is alum, which can be found in grocery stores.

 

[msjinkzd]

anubias are very sturdy, should be fine

 

[Spine]

+1 on the Alum. Alum won't stain anything either. It's usually found in the spice section at any grocery store

 

[MarkK]

For snails and snails eggs a 2-3 hour soak in a solution of 3 tablespoons Alum per gallon of water is a good choice.

 

[dogofwar]

I've heard that potassium permangenate is also good as a net dip. Alum as well?

Matt

 

[WendyFish]

I'd be interested in hearing how this works for you. We bought some potassium permanganate with the intention to use it on some snail exposed plants but haven't gotten around to it yet.

 

[Beeman]

I'd be interested in hearing how this works for you. We bought some potassium permanganate with the intention to use it on some snail exposed plants but haven't gotten around to it yet.

Where are you all finding potassium permanganate? Lowe's doesn't have it, and neither does our local Ace hardware. Do pool supply stores carry it?
As for alum, two stores looked at my wife like she was crazy. They say it's an antique spice that they haven't carried for years!

 

[moka]

How about getting some of those molluscivorus fish? Sorry Berry i cant help myself..

 

[Beeman]

If I can't find pot. perm., thats my next step! Thanks Mo

 

[WendyFish]

Got it on the interwebs. Thus increasing the number of watch lists we're on, no doubt.

 

[Spine]

As for alum, two stores looked at my wife like she was crazy. They say it's an antique spice that they haven't carried for years!

You can get it at Giant or Safeway. Spices are usually placed in alphabetical order so it should be in the beginning of the section The one I have is McCormick brand. If your store doesn't stock it go to the customer service counter and ask them to order it for you.

 

[mchambers]

I've seen potassium permanganate at pool supply stores.

 

[Avatar]

Criminal spice

You can get it at Giant or Safeway. Spices are usually placed in alphabetical order so it should be in the beginning of the section The one I have is McCormick brand. If your store doesn't stock it go to the customer service counter and ask them to order it for you.

Alum is short for aluminum sulfate, potassium aluminum sulfate, or potassium aluminum phosphate, either/all of which obviously contain aluminum, a heavy metal variously linked to/suspected of causing Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease and other degenerative human illness.

As a general rule, heavy metals should not be eaten, and aluminum should be avoided in the cooking/preparation of food (aluminum/teflon cookware). That alum continues to be sold as a "spice" is bizarre.

 

[scientist0724]

Alum is in the spice racks of the grocery store because it's used for pickling. It's what turns cucumbers into cripsy pickles!

Arlene

 

[Avatar]

You can have it

Am reasonably sure there are many other ways to achieve "pickling" of foods without doing it to one's self.

 

[mchambers]

Interestingly, apparently some pickles do contain a significant amount of aluminum. Hard to believe this hasn't been prohibited:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/540321-what-foods-contain-harmful-aluminum/

 

[Hawkman2000]

Thanks for that info avatar, gunna have to check the labels on the pickles my GF eats all the time. She's crazy enough as it is. ;-)

BTW, I just did a bleach dip on some vals yesterday and they are doing fine so far.