how to clean a used HOB filter before use??

[MartinBoy]

I need to spend about a day reading all the sticky threads in this forum but I have an imediate question. I picked up some used Marineland HOB's and they are in great shape but need a good cleaning and I want to make sure I'm not bring in something that will harm my fish. I would like to boil all the parts but am worried about melting them? Is bleach a good method? Any input would be great

 

[J.Lake]

Is it just dirty? Or did it come from a sick tank. I would swap all the media including sponges. Run it on a bucket or tupperware with some bleach if you are concerned for 15 mins. Than keep rinsing it and running it with fresh water. Until you think its clean. Then rinse it again.

 

[Pomatomus]

If it's only dirty then just give it a good scrubbing. If you're worried about contamination you can let it dry, or just run it in a saltwater tank for a day or so.

 

[Calamity]

If you're trying to remove the white buildup on it, using vinegar will do the trick

 

[MartinBoy]

thanks for the help! It is mostly the white build up and some black algee

 

[J.Lake]

Yeah than elbow grease is your best weapon

 

[Pomatomus]

If it's that "black beard algae" I would definitely treat it as a contaminant. That stuff is ugly as hell and really tough to get rid of when established. Otherwise it's no biggie.