Filter media cleaning?

[Orthopod]

I have a bunch of ceramic media that I would like to clean b/ the tank had some illness that i introduced with the addition of a panaque. unfortuneately, it cost me several high end plecos. Any suggestions on cleaning the ceramic bio media?

Thanks for the help.

 

[mr.bigglesworth]

Use old tank water. Avoid tap water.

 

[lp85253]

after much consternation ... I believe rather than disinfect it start over with new media if you can I WAS GONNA SAY clean with bleach /water mix ... BUT media(being pourous) makesme think starting over is only truly safe way to go ... others may know better...

 

[Squirtle919]

I normally let it sit out in the sun for a few days with no water, then I add straight tap water over the course of a week. after that into the sump!

most diseases cant last very long without a host - water, the suns just for backup the media smells really bad after being in the sun for a few days which lead me to believe the sun is killing something on the media.

could also try boiling water I guess.

Or start again but that would cost money so I personally would try the other methods first.

Id stay clear of the bleaches etc else your going to rinse the media like no tomorrow!

 

[Sir KeepsAllot]

Soak it in water a few days, it should rid it of any toxins. Make sure to flush out the old water and add in new every day. :] If that doesnt do the trick, it doesn't belong in your filter. Go buy another brand.

 

[Orthopod]

Any thoughts on vinegar?

 

[Aquanero]

Just boil it and let it dry out over night.

 

[lp85253]

Just boil it and let it dry out over night.

this will probably work... if it doesnt degrade

 

[Drstrangelove]

Either doses of chlorine (tap water with a bit extra from a pool supply bottle) or tap water with small doses of bleach, or just plain boiling for a period of time, if your goal is to disinfect. Generally speaking true ceramics have an extremely high melting point (1200 C), so I'm doubtful these would be harmed.

Vinegar is not a sure thing, chlorine or bleach is the way I'd go for chemicals. If you use chemicals, give it a hearty number of rinses afterwards, or if possible, just put the whole amount in a bucket under a spigot and let the water run through it for a good 30 mins or so.

If bleach is scary, chlorine will do the trick (adding some over the amount that is in the tap). In that case, dechlorinator will take care of that afterwards.

Sorry about your loss...I really like plecos.