Methelyn Blue on Aquarium Plants?

Question

I've got a 2-year old 30-galon aquarium that I have just planted with Limnophila aquatica. I'd like to know, Can I put in Methelyn Blue to an aquarium that has these kinds of plants? And how much should I put in, if any? It's indoors, so that I use a solar lamp for artificial sunlight. And one last question... My water turns reddish after a few weeks. What can I do to remedy this? Thanks.

Thanks to Noota for the info!! ^_^

It's actually only my 2nd time to try out M.Blue... The dude at the shop said that it could also be used to help make the water clearer... That's why I asked. Thanks anyway. You ROCK!!! ^_^

Hmm... Just as I thought. I knew that dude's grin was a bit too wide... Umm.. If my fishes *do* have diarrhea,(I have no wood, don't use fertilizer and don't use a soil medium in my filter, so that's gotta be it, right?) what do I do, aside from changing their diet?

Answer 1

Normal dosing with Methelyne Blue will not harm your plants. While it's true that MB does use some oxygen from the water, plants release oxygen into the water during the day and only use a very small amount at night so the MB won't harm that cycle at all.

That said, MB will not help clear the water. There is no chemical action caused be MB that would lead in any way to clearer water so I would recommend you only usse it in your tank for a medication against fungus.

The reddish water can be from any one of several sources. Do you use any type of wood in the tank? Driftwood, bog wood etc? Any type of soil supplements for the plants or any liquid fertilizers? Any of those items will potentially cause a red coloration in the water. Of course, identifying and remove the source will prevent it but running fresh carbon in your filter will in the majority of cases also remove the discoloration.

MM

Answer 2

What are you medicating for?

I'd try another medicine, M. Blue chokes out a lot of oxygen and in high doses will kill most all plants. If you are really concerned with your plants, put your fish in a hospital tank to medicate.

Water changing colour means one of three things; change your carbon, get a bigger tank or pick up your regular maintainence. The fact that it turns reddish makes me think your fish have diarhea.

How much M. Blue depends on what you are treating for. If you are not treating for anything, don't use it at all.

Follow the directions on the bottle, few things require more.

I've used M. Blue with many plants and its been fine each time with hardy quick growers.,The more delicate ones have suffered. As well, it is a dye, it is used in science labs as a stain for slides, it can stain your plants. Not to mention your rocks, gravel, silicon seals and decorations if you have any.

Answer 3

A little bit dosn't, just go by the directions or medicate in a seperate tank. Sometimes rotting wood eg driftwood will change the water colour, also check the ph if this is the case as the water will be more acidic.