Moss Ball Snail Detection Method

[mtqrk]

Hi all,

Recently got moss ball from Marta's Pet & Aquaria but not sure whether it is snail free or not.

Before introducing it to my 50 Gal tank I want to make sure that they are snail/pest free.

Please suggest a reliable method. Right now they are resting in two glass jars seprately.

Waiting for your expert opinions.

Thanks,

[Ursus sapien]

carbonated water. get a good on like S Pelligrino (sp?) The carbon dioxide will kill off anything requiring oxygen. Leave for an hour or 2.

[mtqrk]

I need and expert advice from you. I have a bag of Miracle-Gro 24-8-16 for my indoor plants. I was wondering if I could use the same water soluble plant food in my aquarium. I dont have any fish right now because I am waiting for the bacteria to build up.

Plus what do I need to do when I add fish to the tank with plant which has that "soluble plant food" (should I rinse them or anything)

Please reply.

Thanks,

[Ursus sapien]

no expert here, so my advice with multiple salt grains...:-) I'm strictly a low-tech plant guy.
I use diluted miracle grow in my plant-only tanks. I don't know if it's safe for animals, so I always do several 50% water changes before adding animals.
In tanks with animals, I use clay root tabs, to keep the stuff out of the water column.
There are plant foods made specifically for aquariums (some available at the auction). Because I keep shrimp, I'm always concerned about copper in the formula. Ask the distributor about that.

[Gobies et al]

This site: http://www.gardenguides.com/101419-miracle-gro-ingredients.html
has the ingredients in Miracle-Gro 24-8-16. Copper is listed as one of the ingredients. I don't recall offhand what amount of copper is tolerated by inverts (not much) or fish. I would not use it in a tank I would intend at some time to put invertebrates in. I use formulas that are intended for aquariums or ponds.

[Ursus sapien]

Just wanted to add a caviet to the suggested use of carbonated water above: delicate plants (riccia, pennywart etc ) try 2 ten minute baths over the course of 24 hours. I leave tough stuff overnight, but carbonated water can melt tender plants if left too long.