QUESTION: Plantex CSM+B (Long-Term Storage)

[Tyger]

PROBLEM: I know that this is hardly a new question; however, I am wondering what the best remedies are for this situation: I have used Flourish Comprehensive for micros for sometime prior to deciding to go with dry fertilizers and make my own liquid fertz. Unfortunately, I have found that bottle containing the Plantex CSM+B is has a fungal-mold related problem. I know that this is a common problem with CSM+B and some folks refrigerate their bottles; however, I recall hearing that there are other alternatives to refrigration (which besides cold is dark).

OBSERVATIONS: I have the liquid solution stored in graduated dispenser bottle and it is stored under the cabinet; however, it is not entirely light free as the back of the cabinet is somewhat open and it is probably dimly ultimated. Obviously, the dispenser bottle is transparent enough to let the light into it; whereas, Flourish Comprehensive bottle is non-transparent. Flourish Comprehensive does not require refrigration nor dark storage (though the bottle is not transparent).

QUESTIONS: So, I guess my first question is what are the options for fixing the problem. Second, I was wondering whether it is simply a light tight bottle or whether their are inhibitor-preservative agents one could add that are not harmful to fish (e.g., Flourish Comprehensive just fugal-mood free because light-tight or is there fugal-mold growth inhibitor in the mix as well).

Thank-you, in advance, for taking a moment to help.

[Cristy Keister]

You could put it in a box. Make your own box to the right size.

[Jim Miller]

I just use dry. An 1/8 tsp will be completely dissolved before hitting bottom in my 90g.

Jim

[FrannyB]

I keep my stock solution in the fish fridge.

[Tyger]

I appreciate the great feedback though I have gotten some answers I thought I would share (from this post):

OverStocked: HCL or Excel/Glut added to the solution will preserve it indefinitely.

150EH: Add 5 ml of Excel or so to every 250 ml of Plantex CSM solution to keep it mold free. Dark won't help the mold grows anyway and the cool causes some of the nutrients to re-crystalize out of solution. Believe it or not the active ingredient in Excel is a Hospital grade disinfectant so you can but it cheaper but I don't see the need to have that much on hand and the small bottle of Excel will last you a couple of years if you only use it for this purpose.

I think that I am going to give the Excel (Glutaraldehyde) solution a go as I would need 10ml per 500 ml solution I create. Oh, and I found this post on Glutaraldehyde interesting as it seems to be some pretty toxic stuff in more pure form; however, I also wanted to thank folks here for all the good advice and to share something I learned from others.

Please know that other comments and solutions are welcome. I always believe it is better to know more and have more options to choose from... .

Best wishes, ~Tyger (Michael)~

[Ben Belton]

I'm thinking Ghazanfar use to put some Seachem Acid Buffer in his Flourish to decrease the pH and inhibit mold growth. Maybe he will show up around here and comment.

[Ghazanfar Ghori]

True that - I used some Seachem Acid buffer to my CSM+B to inhibit mold.

[Tyger]

Whew! It has been some time since I had the chance to enjoy the hard sciences outside of neurobiology and neuropsychology and I have to say that I am enjoying the chance to get back to a bit of biology and chemistry.

As to forum and friends, ah well... ask, be patient, listen (read), and learn... thank-you all.

~Tyger (Michael)~

[150EH]

I make a wet solution of Plantex + CSM by adding 1 tablespoon to 500 ml of water with 1 teaspoon of MgS04 with 5 ml of Excel to stop mold growth, I dose 15ml per 50 gallons of water of this solution as my Micro Ferts.

I found putting Plantex in the fridge causes some of it to crystalize and fall out of the solution and with just 5 ml of Excel it's fine kept in the aquarium cabinet.

Keeping a Plantex solution in the dark does not work either, within a couple of weeks you will have mold floating in the bottle.