How long do you microwave a sponge filter?

[tpl*co]

Going to disinfect a sponge, how long do I nuke it for? Do I put it in something or do I just nuke it uncovered?

Tina

[traco]

I seem to recall 2-3 minutes? There was a thread about that, I think it was one of Marie's.

Did I help?

[RoninGai]

never heard of nuking sponge won't that mess it up?

how about boiling it seems safer and keeps the sponge wet. imho

[pcsb23]

If you want it aldente then 90 secs will do it, serve with a side salad and a chilled Chablis

Serioulsy I nuke mine on full power for 3 minutes, I make sure they as wet as they can be too. And no it doesn't mes them up.

hth,

[Cosmo]

I'd worry about them melting

I boil my sponges.. I'm an old fashioned kind of guy

Paul.. was your time based upon a 1000 watt microwave? Important piece of missing info since all ovens vary, so times my vary as well Read that somewhere

Jim

[pcsb23]

I'd worry about them melting

I boil my sponges.. I'm an old fashioned kind of guy

Paul.. was your time based upon a 1000 watt microwave? Important piece of missing info since all ovens vary, so times my vary as well Read that somewhere

Jim

Think mine is an 800W microwave. Not even got close to one melting, though they do get hot so care is needed afterwards to avoid a scald.

[Ryan]

I do mine for 2 - 3 minutes. Soak them really well and then stick them in a bowl to kinda catch any water. I just microwave the sponge itself of course, not the plastic bits.

[tpl*co]

If I boil them, I would suppose I'd need a stainless steel or some kind of non metal pot in case of metals going in the sponge? (thinking of future invertibrates like shrimp)?

What types of containers did you boil them in?

Tina

[Ryan]

I boiled mine in a microwave safe glass dish... in the microwave.

[tpl*co]

Does it all have to be submerged? I have the hydro V's to boil!

Tina

[Ryan]

I fill the bowl I use with hot water. After a few minutes in the microwave, it will boil. Be extremely careful either way -- those sponges are full of scalding hot water. You'll need to use tongs or something.

[alxjss]

Please enlighten me? What is the purpose of boiling or nuking a sponge?

[brewmaster15]

kills bacterias and pathogens likes flukes...useful when starting a new tank..

-al

[alxjss]

Al, so, if i nuke a sponge it would be good to use in another tank, say w/ 6 2.5" discus? Even w/a recoop fish?

[Elite Aquaria]

Eileen,

I have never tried this but it looks like a good way to sterilize a filter for a new tank. In the past I have used a little bleach but after a while that breaks down the sponge. I recently started to use PP but I may need to give the micro a try...

How many of you use PP?