We found a literal and figurative solution to the challenge posed by these pests by immersing the plants in carbonated soda or seltzer water for 12 hours in the dark followed by 30 minutes in aerated water, in the light. Plain, unflavored seltzer has the correct pH, pCO2 (pressure), anoxic state (no Oxygen), and timing of decay to effect everything cited above in our testing. Aerated water is sufficient to serve as the O2-Only portion of the cycle so long as one observes proper timing and lighting.
REVERSE RESPIRATION INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Immerse the plants entirely below the surface in freshly opened seltzer water. It should be an open lid container such that the pressure does not build. You may need to add a weight to keep the plants submerged as the effervescence and high pressure makes them highly buoyant.
2. Place in the dark. Stir gently to help solution penetrate difficult areas but do not disturb once placed in the dark.
3. Remove after 9 hours-12 hours. Rinse.
4. Place in fresh water and aerate for a minimum of 30 minutes in the light. Rinse and place plants in tank.
PRECAUTIONS!!!
ALWAYS use a freshly opened bottle of seltzer.
It is impossible to determine if an opened or partially used bottle has the correct pressure, CO2 level and pH to be 100% effective.
NEVER dilute the seltzer water.
NEVER heat the seltzer.
NEVER use an additive of any kind. Even additives that generate CO2 will have no pressure and can make the seltzer go flat.
NEVER seal the container with the plants being treated. Lightly cover it and place it in the dark.
A tightly sealed container can develop too much PRESSURE and may KILL the plants.
NEVER USE mineral or sparkling water as these do not have enough carbonation to effect Reverse Respiration. ONLY use sealed, fresh bottles of seltzer or club soda.
AVOID AGITATING the seltzer too much which can reduce its carbonation.
ALWAYS fully submerge the plants. Use weights if needed. Exposed areas will remain untreated.
For all of the reasons cited above, in less than 24 hours, there will be no worms, no larvae, no eggs, no snails, no surviving algae, and all of the carbonation and excess oxygen will have dissipated…the only residue being WATER.
