Cleaning used sponge filters

[j_li8]

what would be the best way to make sure that a used sponge filter, not from one of my tanks, is properly cleaned and sterilized? i have washed and soaked the filter in hot water from the tap but it still has a smell to it. kind of smells like its been sitting in old/dead water for a little while.

[Ardan]

I have put them in boiling water for 45 minutes. It may be more than needed, but that is what I do.

hth
Ardan

[Jhhnn]

I'm confident that squeezing it out in a bucket of 5%-10% bleach solution, letting it stay in there overnight (along with all the parts), then rinsing thoroughly, squeezing out and soaking again in water having a strong dose of prime or similar would thoroughly disinfect it...

[Elite Aquaria]

Be careful leaving it in the bleach to long because it will ruin the sponge. Remember if it is a Hydro you can get replacements for around $2. May not be worth the trouble..just bleach the hardware.

[korbi_doc]

I clean & then rinse my HOTmagnums with the filter in hot water, then run it with about 10% bleach added, for about 15 minutes, flush or treat with a declorinator & it's good to go....the hydro sponges & my sponges from the AC filters can be rinsed clean, then microwave 2-4 minutes if contamination is a problem..this has worked for me...& Dan is right, not too long in bleach, 10-15 mins is adequate in most cases.....

Dottie ;)

[j_li8]

i just might order a new one like Dan said. Not worth risking a tank of any kind of fish.

[DiscusOnly]

Yeah.. if it was me, I would just get a replacement filter.

Just curious, where are you located? I would offer to cut you a new one if you were in the local area.

Van

[j_li8]

thanks for the offer but im on the other side of the country in california.

[ShinShin]

You also can soak in PP. Bleach will breakdown sponges. I do like Dan when I need new sponges, buy new ones.

Mat

[mmorris]

I microwave them for a few minutes. :)

[MikeF]

I also put mine in the microwave, as long as the wife is not home!

[Justice]

I also put mine in the microwave, as long as the wife is not home!

I can relate to that, I have to NUKE mine on the sly too. :D

[Eddie]

I usually nuke mine right before I warm up her food, just to pi$$ her off. LOL

Just kidding,

Eddie

[Justice]

I usually nuke mine right before I warm up her food, just to pi$$ her off. LOL

Just kidding,

EddieTell her it is loaded with Beneficial Bacteria. :p

[j_li8]

i doubt my parents would care. we microwave the dog food before he eats it.

[Armandi_Fishcarer]

New sponges aren't that expensive to buy, although if you have 1 or so, clean them in either PP, or Warm'em up, I tend to just wash mine in bleach, that works with all my tanks aswell, you don't need to leave them in for hrs as some may do, just drop & squeeze a few times till it soaks up then rinse in warm tap water the same way!

Regards
Ahmed ;)

[ShinShin]

Like a lot here, I also micowave my own filters to disenfect them. But, I would not buy used filter sponges when they are cheap enough to buy new. There are better areas of the hobby to save a buck or two besides buying used sponges.

Mat

[Armandi_Fishcarer]

But, I would not buy used filter sponges when they are cheap enough to buy new. There are better areas of the hobby to save a buck or two besides buying used sponges.
Mat Mat, I couldn't agree with you more!

Regards
Ahmed ;)