A couple of weeks ago someone posted that they were able to remove algae
from anubias using a diluted bleach solution (but I was busy thinking about
something else and didn't pay attention).

I'm replanting an old 75 gallon tank this weekend that still has many of
it's original anubias inhabitants which, over the years, have gotten pretty
grotty looking with venerable algae colonies on them. I'd like to salvage
what I can.

Would you mind reposting the dilution and process? Also, any tips you might
have for restoring shabby old anubias specimens to their youthful vigour.
I've got barteri, nana, congensis and hastifolia.

Thanks,
kush

"You can't have everything - where would you put it?"

"kush" wrote in message
...
A couple of weeks ago someone posted that they were able to remove algae
from anubias using a diluted bleach solution (but I was busy thinking
about
something else and didn't pay attention).

I'm replanting an old 75 gallon tank this weekend that still has many of
it's original anubias inhabitants which, over the years, have gotten
pretty
grotty looking with venerable algae colonies on them. I'd like to salvage
what I can.

Would you mind reposting the dilution and process? Also, any tips you
might
have for restoring shabby old anubias specimens to their youthful vigour.
I've got barteri, nana, congensis and hastifolia.


I posted something, not sure if it was what you saw.

I use a (roughly) 1:19 parts bleach solution, just standard cheap chlorine
bleach. Dunk the Anubias (I've got Nana var. Nana) for 2-3 minutes, give it
a good swirl and then rinse well in clean water with a 10x dose of
dechlorinator. When the plant (and your fingers...) no longer smell of
chlorine, replant it. The algae goes white within a day, and disappears in
two or three. My Bristlenose Plec seems to like the bleached algae too, so I
make sure it is very thoroughly rinsed.

HTH - sorry, can't help on any rejuvinating tips.

Colin

..

kush wrote:

A couple of weeks ago someone posted that they were able to remove
algae from anubias using a diluted bleach solution (but I was busy
thinking about something else and didn't pay attention).

It wasn't me but I've bleached many anubias... here is my experience.

1:19 bleach:water. MEASURE, don't guess ;-) I make sure the tank water, the
bleach solution and the rinse water are all the same temperature, since
it's simple to do and creates one less stress on the plants. Swirl them
gently in the solution with a pair of tongs so the bleach gets circulated
into all the little nooks.

Another poster mentioned a 10x dose of dechlorinator; this might be
excessive. I get the tap running at the right temp while they're still in
the bleach, then take them out and straight under the tap for a 30 second
thorough rinse, and a dip in a bucket with double dechlorinator. No bleach
smell, no annoyed fish when I plop the plants back in.

Due to a distracting stove fire I had a bunch of nana in bleach for 6
minutes without it showing any sign of damage, and 2 years later it's still
fine, so they are hardy, but as mentioned, 2-3 minutes will get rid of most
film, grunge, spots and beards. ;-) Black brush will turn white but not
come off easily, you can pull off as much as possible by hand.

It helps to put them quickly into a tank with good conditions, as soon as
possible after their nasty bath. Mine seem to have a furious growth spurt
afterwards, probably because they can finally "breathe" so it's good if
they've got all the light and nutrients they need at that time.

Rebecca
--
Get the lead out to reply by email.

Thanks, guys. I'll let you know how it goes.

kush wrote in message
...
A couple of weeks ago someone posted that they were able to remove algae
from anubias using a diluted bleach solution (but I was busy thinking
about
something else and didn't pay attention).

I'm replanting an old 75 gallon tank this weekend that still has many of
it's original anubias inhabitants which, over the years, have gotten
pretty
grotty looking with venerable algae colonies on them. I'd like to salvage
what I can.

Would you mind reposting the dilution and process? Also, any tips you
might
have for restoring shabby old anubias specimens to their youthful vigour.
I've got barteri, nana, congensis and hastifolia.

Thanks,
kush

"You can't have everything - where would you put it?"