Cleaning Aquarium Decorations

[arvlyn]

Forgive me if this question has been asked and answered many times here already, I'm new here and although I've read through the posts for a week or so already and have done a search, I can't find any info.

I need to clean dead, dried algae off plastic plants, rocks and other decorations. It's beard algae, if that makes a difference. I had a major outbreak of it in one of my aquariums. Since I was already planning a major "reorganization" of all my aquariums, I just took the affected items out of the aquarium with plans to clean them "later". Later finally has come now, a week later, since I fell ill in the meantime.

I've tried a vinegar soak and an algae remover soak as I'd read elsewhere already. Now I'm trying a boiling water soak.

Any other ideas? Thank you.

 

[kingmed]

I'm not really sure, I figure if the algae is really bad you might use an old tooth brush to scrub off the algae. I was thinking about Bleach soak but that would be mainly for disenfecting, I don't quite know but that is something that I'd like to here the answer to myself for future help.

 

[arvlyn]

I'm not really sure, I figure if the algae is really bad you might use an old tooth brush to scrub off the algae. I was thinking about Bleach soak but that would be mainly for disenfecting, I don't quite know but that is something that I'd like to here the answer to myself for future help.

Bleach is one thing I hadn't considered yet. I do know if I do use it, to soak the items in dechlorinated water after.
I have been using a dedicated scrub brush and toothbrush but this stuff's tough! I'm considering sandblasting. (just kidding...kinda)

 

[The-Wolf]

soak the items in a 10% bleach solution (10ml bleach per 1ltr water) for 24 hours.
soak in 100% water for further 24 hours
let air dry outside for at least 48hrs

if you smell bleach on the items after that repeat steps 2 and 3
do not place back in the tank untill you are satisfied there is no trace of bleach on the items at all.

 

[bubblesburst80]

i have to agree with the toothbrush, they are great for cleaning gunk off decorations and rocks, hope you get it sorted

xXX

 

[arvlyn]

soak the items in a 10% bleach solution (10ml bleach per 1ltr water) for 24 hours.soak in 100% water for further 24 hourslet air dry outside for at least 48hrsif you smell bleach on the items after that repeat steps 2 and 3do not place back in the tank untill you are satisfied there is no trace of bleach on the items at all.

Thank you! I'll definitely try that.I managed to scrub the rocks clean last night, my arms are still aching though.I have tons of time, the tank they're going into is still cycling.Thanks again.

i have to agree with the toothbrush, they are great for cleaning gunk off decorations and rocks, hope you get it sortedxXX

I must need a stiffer toothbrush then!

 

[DevUK]

Bleach should kill of any algae thats left too, incase you missed any (Yes, I believe it'll come back to life even after its been dried out... )

 

[madgap]

When I got my tank back, rocks n' all where covered in that crap. It was a major rush job ad I had to clead the rocks ASAP. I soaked them in boiling water with an entire tube of Saxa Table Salt .
Not all of it came off but most did. Obviously I rinsed them afterwards in hot water.

 

[arvlyn]

Bleach should kill of any algae thats left too, incase you missed any (Yes, I believe it'll come back to life even after its been dried out... )

LOL I thought it was just my imagination but I thought some of it looked like it was coming back to life when it got wet again too!

When I got my tank back, rocks n' all where covered in that crap. It was a major rush job ad I had to clead the rocks ASAP. I soaked them in boiling water with an entire tube of Saxa Table Salt .Not all of it came off but most did. Obviously I rinsed them afterwards in hot water.

Aha! Although I've used it before, I didn't think of salt this time! I've even got sone non-iodized salt in the cabinet! Thanks!