Cleaning Rocks

[kufan]

I'm in the process of cleaning my rocks and decorations. They have some algea on them, so I was wondering what was the best way to get this off my rocks and decorations. I've been told letting them sit out for a few days works and I have also heard washing them with vinegar works well too.

Thanks,

KU

[Tornado]

I would scrub them down with a scrubbing pad and hot water then let them sit out for a few days.

[William]

Boiling them (ie really hot water) is good for killing algae.

[NorthernBoy]

Is the algea from your tank or from a outside source. If it is from your tank why do you want to remove the rock to clean it. If it is from an external source I would not use vinegar because it could, 1) Cause a reaction with the rock, especially if the rock is rich in Na(sodium). 2) If not rinsed off the rock well it may cause an imbalance in the tank itself. As far as William's comment about boiling rocks, I think that this is a pretty dangerous idea for someone who cannot identify the rock. Heat causes are trapped in rocks to expand and you could end up covered in boiling water yourself! Although, I do agree with William about using water. I suggest just a good stiff brush and warm water. Never, never use any soap, forms of ammonia(some cleaners contain), severly acidic or severly basic liquids(ie. vinegar or baking soda).

[Lady Hobbs]

I boil mine as well or scrub them with a toothpaste in hot water.

Vinegar and water is a good way to tell if they're bad for your aquarium, tho. Rocks will bubble in vinegar/water solution and if they do, toss them out.

[NorthernBoy]

Exactly, rocks will bubble with introduction of acid. If you are maintaining a afican cichlid tank or a S. American tank you have acidic water. You need to understand the elements involved in rocks before introducing them to a tank. I suggest either buying rocks in a LFS or if you are familiar with the composition of the rock you can add to you tank.

[kimmers318]

I have used a bleach solution that worked very well...algae just wipes/rinses right off after a soak...then make sure you soak it in some water treated with a tap water conditioner to make sure all traces of chlorine are neutralized.

[turbomkt]

Boiling, bleach and vinegar are all decent recommendations. I'll add another one...H2O2, AKA Hydrogen Peroxide. You can use it to spot treat even in the tank. I've done this with various shrimp (RCS, CRS, diamonds) in and around the spot treated area with no ill effects on the shrimp and a wonder bubble show from the algae. Within a short period to algae turned white and the shrimp ate it away.

[Lady Hobbs]

Super nice to see you Mike!

[kimmers318]

Interesting information Mike....how exactly did you use it? With kids we always have peroxide around....and it is cheap to use.

[turbomkt]

I used a medicinal syringe (like what you give a baby/toddler medicine with) and just did spot applications. I will say that I tried to get as many inhabitants away as I could just in case.

[kimmers318]

If I run into an algae problem again I just may have to try that! Thanks!

[kufan]

Thanks for all the info guys. The algea was from the tank and not an outside source. I will definitely try some of these suggestions and see how they work.

I had heard that using bleach to clean anything in you aquarium wasn't good for it. Is this true?

KU

[turbomkt]

Bleach is fine on things that can't absorb it, just make sure you rinse really well. I usually rinse well, then soak in a bucket with a whole bunch of dechlorinator.