can I use baking powder?

[imma24]

I am going to be receiving a package of plants from another forum member and it was recommended to soak them in alum overnight for snails -

I was told I could find alum in any grocery store - I looked it up and found it is in baking powder - can I use that for the plants?

[Lady Hobbs]

No. It is an ingredient in baking powder is all.

You nut.

[imma24]

OK - so I'm a nut LOL

As you recommended, I looked in my local grocery down the aisle with the spices and didn't see it - the baking aisle is right there too - it isn't with that stuff? What is alum usually used for besides killing snails so I know where else I could look?

[Lady Hobbs]

A little tip that some people don't know. Spices are generally stocked alphabatically. (It helps knowing that when you hit the spice aisle.)

Alum is used in canning pickles to keep them crunchy. Draws out the liquids.
Also has been used for canker sores and other uses. A drawing agent.

Andrea....it comes in a little short jar like bouillion cubes are kept in.

I hope you know I was teasing you. That was cute.

[imma24]

Thanks for the hints - yes, I know you were teasing ; ) - I can have a sense of humor if I try hard enough - thanks for thinking my post was cute - LOL

Now I just have to find the short little jar before those plants come.

[Lady Hobbs]

Ask a clerk ......but then......finding the alum may be easier than finding a worker! :(

You should have seen the bottom of my tote after I soaked my plants for a day! Wow.

[Trillianne]

Alum is also a favorite of kids scient experiments as they learn about crystal shapes, because it will easily make crystals.

Which is fun to try out if you want to make some pretty crystals to ooh and ahh over. (Google for lots of directions and pictures)

[Cermet]

I read Lady Hobb's post not too long ago (I got my plants today and one plant had mini-shrimp) and it says use two tsp of Alum per two gallons water.

I will not treat that plant due to shrimp hidding within the leaves but I did put it into my qt tank and let the shrimp run around; the gourmi fish will eat them most likely but maybe a few will manage to hide (have a lot of fake plants in with them ... .) The fish keeps the filter cycled.

[Lady Hobbs]

Copied from aquariumplants.com

Alum Dip
The Alum dip is more for killing microscopic bugs. Use at 1 tablespoon per gallon of water. Soak the plant for at least an hour, longer soaks of 2 to 3 days are needed to kill snails and snail eggs. For snails and snails eggs a 2-3 hour soak in a stronger solution of 3 tablespoons per gallon of water is a better choice.

[Goes to 11!]

I have soaked plants in a bucket with 'non-invert safe algae-cide' [Pick your poison.. So to speak] to attempt to kill snails before. Be sure to rinse well after if you have inverts.