Potassium Permanganate is available in the form of crystals. When these crystals are dissolved in water a pink solution is obtained.
Adding Potassium Permanganate to an aquarium kills infectious organisms. However, the downside is that Potassium Permanganate also kills the beneficial bacteria.
Hence, the biological filtration of the aquarium is affected.
Excessive doses can also damage the sensitive gill tissue of fish.
Hence, Potassium Permanganate should be used with great discretion.
Disinfecting Aquarium Plants
Potassium Permanganate is an effective substance to disinfect plants, aquarium gravel and accessories which are going to be put inside an aquarium. Immerse Plants in solution of Permanaganate for half an hour.
This will kill microbes and other harmful pests such as snails and their eggs. The plants and aquarium accessories should then rinsed thoroughly with water.