Bleach to clean gravel???

[lippy415]

Help me here... I thought that was a huge NO NO. My father-in-law is giving us his 200 gallon tank tomorrow and he called tonight to tell us that he is cleaning the gravel for us with bleach. Should I toss it and buy new gravel? Aren't you supposed to steer clear of all soaps and cleaners and just use water for everything?

Erin

[J double R]

uh... you mean buy new gravel?

there should be no reason to clean gravel with bleach unless youre decontaminating it from a communicable disease contractable by humans. there isnt much that CAN'T be killed by some good hot water/complete drying out.

[lippy415]

Oh my gosh it must be getting late... Yes, I meant should I just buy new gravel?? I thought the bleach would ruin it.

[lippy415]

And it's a 125 gallon tank, not 200. I should go to bed and re-post tomorrow.

[J double R]

hehe... have a good night..

[Star_Rider]

LOL

you don't have to get rid of the gravel..rinse it well and let it dry out.

unless you don't like the color of the gravel.
btw it probably wasn't a bad idea to clean the gravel..since you would be using it in a new set up.

I wish someone would give me a 125..man that would make a nice discus tank...

[magakitty]

MORE CICHLIDS!!!!! bwahahahahahah

[Rbishop]

The bleach shouldn't hurt it from the standpoint of you using it. I did it all the time when I had to move while in the Navy. Bleached the whole tank to kill everything off (no fish), drained, dried and packed up.

[lippy415]

Really??? I am so glad I posted that instead of just chucking the gravel. I thought it would kill the fish. I'm glad to hear I can still use it. :) I'm gonna be spending lots of money on rock, artificial plants, and cichlids! I also want to get one of those python things, and a Mag-Float, and a test kit... The list is endless. Thanks again for all the info.

Erin

[Rbishop]

Just ensure you rinse well when done and let it soak in fresh water with a heavy dose of dechlorinator until you no longer smell bleach.

[magakitty]

good point bishop