How do I clean algae off decorations?

[Dave Noel]

I recently acquired 10 gal (freebie) form a guy who had enough with keeping fish, so when the last one died he gave me the tank. there was alot of algae in there, the decoration was a replica of a wooden stump with caves in it and plants on the side. I spent quite a bit of time with a toothbrush scrubbing it but I think it is not getting it off. Looking for ideas on cleaning it. I have it out of the tank right now until I can get it cleaned to my satisfaction.

Thanks in advance.

[OldMan47]

I have seen people use bleachy to clean up algae. It will definitely kill the algae. If you use bleach you need to be almost anal about giving whatever it is a thorough rinse afterward to get rid of all traces of chlorine. At that point I would still put it in some water and use a dechlorinator before returning it to a living tank.

[Mgamer20o0]

good old bleach.....

[legendaryfrog]

Yeah, jsut take it out of the tank, put it in a bucket, and pour in some bleach. before putting it back, wash the plants A LOT.

[elks]

1/4 cup of bleach to a gallon of cold water,leave set few hrs or better yet overnight.
Rinse well hot water and air dry 24 hrs.

[Rbishop]

Bleach and warm water, let soak, scrub as necessary. Rinse well and let soak in some dechlorinated water.

[msjinkzd]

what they said

[Dave Noel]

I thought of bleach but wouldn't that take the colour out of the plastic plants and the colour on the decoration itself?

Maybe with a mild mixture you don't have to worry about that.

[jpappy789]

Usually the bleach is dilluted enough to not cause major discoloration while still killing the algae...