View Full Version : Cleaning Tank Decor
net_shark512
12-16-2002, 2:52 PM
Anyone know the easiest way to clean algae off of the tank decor like a plastic log,plants and such? I thought I heard something about soaking them in a high solution of salt or something. I also have algae destroyer does this do anything??
wetmanNY
12-16-2002, 2:57 PM
Make a solution of water and regular household bleach (Clorox) about 1:20. Let the ornament soak for an hour, then scrub it with a brush. Filterstem brushes are handy in holes and crevices.
Rinse it well before you return it to the tank. Some would say to add a little de-chlorinator to the rinsewater...
i thought i heard somefinn suggesting sending them through the dishwasher with no soap. ;) it sounded like something i might try in all seriousness though........... :D
YMMV
net_shark512
12-16-2002, 4:01 PM
Does anyone else know any other way? I am a little afraid to try bleach. Won't the bleach eat the paint on the decor?
kveeti
12-16-2002, 4:36 PM
It's been a long time since I've had to... but I used to pour boiling water over and then scrub with my aquarium-only toothbrush.
I'm with ewok, though, I remember the dishwasher method mentioned. I think that would work great. I would try that first (assuming you have a dishwasher). Sure would beat scrubbing.
Tyler718
12-16-2002, 5:08 PM
Originally posted by wetmanNY
Make a solution of water and regular household bleach (Clorox) about 1:20. Let the ornament soak for an hour, then scrub it with a brush. Filterstem brushes are handy in holes and crevices.
Rinse it well before you return it to the tank. Some would say to add a little de-chlorinator to the rinsewater...
I have done this 2-3 times before. It worked real good. For rinsing, I rinsed real good under tap water. I then dip everything in a 5 gal bucket with water and de-chlorinator. Didn't have no problems and it didn't eat none of the paint off.
NJ Devils Fan
12-16-2002, 5:14 PM
I usually use Oxy clean in hot water in my bathtub. It works pretty good.
Tyler718
12-16-2002, 5:20 PM
Originally posted by NJ Devils Fan
I usually use Oxy clean in hot water in my bathtub. It works pretty good.
Is that the stuff they sell on info-mercials. No Joke. I never thought of using it. Since tearing down my tank to start over I have some decor that I wouldn't mind trying it on.
Originally posted by Tyler718
Is that the stuff they sell on info-mercials. No Joke. I never thought of using it.
they sell it in normal stores also now, and clorox and a couple of other companies make their own version too. from using it to wash my dog when the skunk sprayed it i know the main active ingredients are dried peroxide and baking soda/powder..........
i have seen wetman recommend peroxide to ?solubulize organics occasionally so that should be fairly safe, but the baking powder or soda would tend to change ph, so rinse really well. it is also a mild bleaching solution because of the peroxide......
Twilight
12-17-2002, 9:01 AM
Scrub with a brush under very hot running water. Works for me.
99RedSi
12-17-2002, 11:46 AM
Originally posted by Twilight
Scrub with a brush under very hot running water. Works for me.
That may work temporarily but won't the algae come right back in a short amount of time? I've read that following the bleaching procedure will actually prevent algae from accumulating on the decor (actually, silk plants - to be specific).
valerie
12-17-2002, 4:04 PM
I use the bleach method. It involves the least amount of scrubbing. If you are scared of using bleach just make sure you rinse well and soak it in water with lots of dechlorinator(i use 2 times the amount). I have never had a problem with the bleach and i use it all the time.
Plus the algae is killed off so it doesn't jsut come back the next day as it sometimes does with jsut scrubbing
Pisces
12-17-2002, 4:21 PM
I've always used bleach for cleaning algae from plants and decorations because it works fast. Then lots of rinsing and soaking them in clean water for a while to make sure there's no residue. Never had any problems from it.
NJ Devils Fan
12-17-2002, 4:37 PM
Yea Tyler, it is. Sorry, I meant Orange Glow. That overly excited guy got me confused because he sells both products and I have both.
Originally posted by NJ Devils Fan
I usually use Oxy clean in hot water in my bathtub. It works pretty good.
NJ Devils Fan, how long have you been doing this? I've thought of this stuff, but I'm wondering how well it rinses out. If it left behind some strange chemical, maybe it could adversely affect the bacteria in the tank?