Putting Stuff got from outside into tank

[dekaghost]

Few days ago, I collected some rocks covered with moss (I haven't put them into my tank). One time, when I took a closer look, I saw some kinds of white tiny bugs moving around and a worm (I don't know if there are more of them!?). So now I want to put those rocks into my tank. What should I do with those rocks first to get rid of the bugs and worms? (but not harm the moss). Or I have to throw those rocks away? Thx for your help, guys..

[deranged chipmunk]

Personally, I would leave them out in the sun to dry for about a month. This ensure that any bugs on it die off or leave for more moist areas. It also gives any eggs or larvae time to die off. Don't worry about the the moss, it will be fine. But you do want it to dry out and "die". It won't really be dead. Once you get it into a moist environment again, it will come back to life for you.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[dekaghost]

Thank you so much Bill. I have thought that maybe I should put them in microwave then cook, just like I saw in some vids. Alright I will try that, but are there any other faster ways? Just because I want to set up a new vivarium with those rocks next week
Thx again Bill

[deranged chipmunk]

A week is fast. The only way to have them ready is to dip them in a 10:1 bleach dip for a few minutes. But not long, moss and bleach do not get along.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[dekaghost]

Do you mean the bleach used in washing clothes? May the moss get harmed when I dip the rocks into it?

[deranged chipmunk]

Yes, chlorine bleach. The same as for clothes. Use 10 parts water to one part bleach. As long as the concentration of bleach doesn't go above 10%, and you don't keep it in there long, the moss will survive. It is my least favorite way of preparing moss. I really don't like using it with moss.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[Mentat]

Hello and welcome to FF ! Myself would not microwave the rocks. It might hurt the moss and there are bugs that will survive it .