How to Bleach Coral
Coral are multi-colored plants that give character to your aquarium. Like rocks and other decorative accessories, coral becomes dirty over time and grime builds up on its surfaces. Coral is also susceptible to discoloration feces, food particles and debris from fish and sea life you have in the aquarium. A bleach solution safely cleans coral. Once clean, rinse the coral thoroughly to remove any bleach solution and lingering residue.
Things You'll Need
- Large plastic container or bowl
- Cold water
- Non-fragrance chlorine bleach
- Dechlorinating solution
- Old towel
Instructions
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1
Fill a large plastic container or bowl with 5 cups of cold water. Remove each piece of coral from your aquarium and check it for any hidden fish or other sea life.
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2
Place the coral in the container or bowl and turn each piece three to four times to release any trapped air bubbles. Pour 1 cup of non-fragrance chlorine bleach into the container or bowl and stir the mixture by moving the coral around.
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3
Let the coral soak for 2 hours. Add an additional cup of bleach to the container or bowl if the coral is still dirty. And then let the coral soak an additional 2 hours.
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4
Remove coral from the solution and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water. Pour out the bleach solution and wash the container or bowl with running water.
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5
Fill the container or bowl with 5 cups of cold water and 1 capful of a dechlorinating solution -- available at pet supply stores. Place the coral in the container or bowl and turn each piece every 15 minutes for 1 hour to remove the chlorine solution and any trapped air bubbles.
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6
Remove the coral from the container or bowl and place it on an old towel. Let the coral air dry for 3 to 4 hours and then return it to your aquarium.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also use this cleaning method to clean other accessories, including toy houses and plastic animals, you have your aquarium.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
