Who Gives A Fish Forums

I recently got a Hornwort plant from an online store and followed their advice on a bleach dip. Unfortunately, it killed the plant, but I was surprised to see around 20 red worms come out. The retailer is now offering me a $50 credit to try again and claims those worms are actually bloodworms, a bonus as "free fish food." I'm not sure if that's true since I've never seen live bloodworms before. It seems pretty reckless to just put those plants in my tank without proper disinfecting.

Do you think I should skip the bleach dip and quarantine the plants for 2 weeks instead? I'd have to do it inside my house since it's getting cold outside now.

Live bloodworms are indeed red and about 10-12mm long, resembling a caterpillar, and they thrive on the bottom. They construct a protective cocoon from mud and plant debris, feeding on microscopic organisms in the water. Generally speaking, they're harmless to fish, but smaller fish may encounter issues if they consume live bloodworms without chewing their heads properly. The hard head of the bloodworm can cause intestinal blockage, leading to bloating and even death in fish.

If you're concerned, a simple rinse in a bucket of tap water, followed by a few weeks in a quarantine tank, should alleviate any worries. For those who must use bleach, I recommend a 1-2 minute soak in straight household bleach, followed by a thorough rinse. Repeat this process, and then transfer the plants to a clean container with tap water and a double dose of dechlorinator.

It's worth noting that Hornwort typically thrives in outdoor ponds and may not do well in cold temperatures or when transferred to a warm water tank. The ideal time to acquire Hornwort is during the summer months when it's already accustomed to warmer water, minimizing the risk of temperature shock.