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Inspect your aquariums to help prevent spread of invasive mussels

Anyone who has a moss ball in their aquarium should inspect the plant for invasive zebra mussels. This highly invasive species has been found in moss ball products throughout Canada, including in the Northwest Territories.

While these invasive mussels only grow as large as a thumbnail, they have the potential to cause big damage to the NWT’s biodiversity, aquatic ecosystems, fish populations, hydro power stations and other infrastructure. They multiply fast and are virtually impossible to remove from and area once they become established.

If residents have purchased any moss balls in the last year, the best thing to do is destroy them immediately. Here’s how to do it safely and effectively:

  1. Place the moss ball into a sealed plastic bag and freeze for at least 24 hours, or place the moss ball in boiling water for at least one full minute.
  2. After this, place the moss ball and any of its packaging in a sealed plastic bag and dispose in the trash. Do not flush moss balls down the toilet or dispose of them in the compost.

 

If the moss ball was placed in an aquarium, please take these additional steps to decontaminate your aquarium and accessories:

  1. Remove fish or other living organisms from the aquarium and place them in another container, with water from a separate, uncontaminated water source.
  2. Sterilize the remaining contaminated water from the bowl or small tank by adding 25ml of bleach per litre of water. Let the water sit for at least 15 minutes and then dispose of the sterilized water down a household drain.
  3. Clean the aquarium and accessories using one of the following methods, ensuring that the method you choose is in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations:
  • Hot Water Method:
    • Pour water that is 60 degrees C/140 degrees F into tank, covering all accessories.
    • Allow to sit for a minimum of 1 minute.
    • Allow the water to cool, then dispose of treated water in a household drain.
  • Salt Water Method:
    • Make a saline solution using 1/2 cup of salt per gallon of water.
    • Soak aquarium, substrate, rocks, décor, and filter media in salt water solution for at least 24 hours.
    • Dispose of treated water in a household drain.
    • Rinse off all items prior to re-setting up the aquarium.
  • Bleach Disinfection Method:
    • Make a disinfection solution using 25ml of bleach per litre of water.
    • Soak aquarium, substrate, rocks, décor, and filter media in the bleach water solution for at least 15 minutes.
    • Dispose of treated water in a household drain.
    • Rinse off all items prior to re-setting up aquarium.
  1. Allow tank and accessories to dry for at least 15 minutes before refilling with water.
  2. It is recommended that you perform a standard water change (~20%) within a week and continue to monitor the tank for any unusual or unexpected aquatic life. If needed, repeat steps 1 - 5.