polarbear Posted March 18, 2011 Posted March 18, 2011 So I came across this reactor for a good price. I need to buy new sponges for it becuase they need to be replaced. The problem I have is that the plactic cylinders that are inside that hold the carbon and GFO media smell really bad like the ocean water when it sets in a bucket for a long time. Not sure if you know what I'm talking about. Anyways I placed it in water and vinegar and scrubbed it with a brush but it still smells. Will this hurt my tank if I run it with these same containers? There clean but just smell. Please let me know what you think. Thanks. Quote
pbnj Posted March 18, 2011 Posted March 18, 2011 I'd soak them in a 5g bucket with a capful or two of bleach. Quote
polarbear Posted March 18, 2011 Author Posted March 18, 2011 If I do this how do I get the bleach off? Do I have to soak them in something else after the bleach Quote
polarbear Posted March 18, 2011 Author Posted March 18, 2011 Could I soak the sponges in bleach also? Quote
pbnj Posted March 18, 2011 Posted March 18, 2011 If I do this how do I get the bleach off? Do I have to soak them in something else after the bleach Just rinse and dry. Quote
nemirn Posted March 18, 2011 Posted March 18, 2011 If I do this how do I get the bleach off? Do I have to soak them in something else after the bleach Use dechlorinater when you're done bleaching. Quote
polarbear Posted March 18, 2011 Author Posted March 18, 2011 Could I soak the sponges in bleach also? Quote
Timfish Posted March 18, 2011 Posted March 18, 2011 If you've scrubbed with vinegar and rinsed it and the sponges out in freshwater I wouldn't worry about it. Plastic will absorb odors so it sounds like it sat full of saltwater and was anaerobic for quite a while, bleaching it will help some but won't completely eliminate it. If the sponges have been rinsed completely clean they'll be fine but I would be inclined to replace them. I've gotten pickle buckets before and after bleaching it still took months of use to get rid of the smell. Quote
polarbear Posted March 18, 2011 Author Posted March 18, 2011 How long do I leave them soaking for Quote
Timfish Posted March 20, 2011 Posted March 20, 2011 How long do I leave them soaking for If you're just trying get them clean it doesn't take long but if you're trying to get rid of the smell I would leave it for at least a few days. Quote
polarbear Posted March 21, 2011 Author Posted March 21, 2011 Well I got new sponges. Made my own from the black filter sponge. Now my question is should I do a water change first or after the GFO and carbon have been running for awhile? Quote
Timfish Posted March 21, 2011 Posted March 21, 2011 Well I got new sponges. Made my own from the black filter sponge. Now my question is should I do a water change first or after the GFO and carbon have been running for awhile? I'm always in favor of water changes but I don't see a problem sticking to your normal schedule. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.