Disinfecting/treating Java moss

[GussieFinknottl]

Hi all,

I'm setting up a new tank to move some of my apuanus into. There's a load of Java moss in my softshell turtle's tank. I'd like to put some of it into the new newt tank but am wondering if I should treat the moss. And if I should, how.

Thanks!

 

[peter5930]

Some people soak Java moss in a solution of 1 part hypochlorite bleach to 10 parts water for 15 minutes to sterilise it, but it has the potential to kill the Java moss. You should thoroughly rinse the Java moss in plain water after bleaching it and before adding it to the apuanus tank.

You can get rid of any chytrid or ich by putting the Java moss in a tank by itself and keeping the temperature at 30C for a couple of weeks, but this probably won't be effective against salmonella, nematodes or most other things.

 

[GussieFinknottl]

Excellent. In browsing in the forums, I saw a mention of using vinegar. Would that be any better/worse than bleach?