How to Bleach My Gravel

It's important to regularly disinfect the gravel in your aquarium.

It's important to regularly clean your fish tank. If mold or mildew has become a problem in your tank, it may be harboring bacteria that are dangerous to your fish. Disinfecting your aquarium's gravel should be performed any time that you do a thorough disinfection of the tank. Cleaning the gravel in your aquarium with bleach is an easy task.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Bleach
• Measuring cup
• Hose

Instructions

1. Mix water and bleach in a bucket at a ratio of 19 parts water to 1 part bleach. You'll need enough solution to completely cover the gravel.

2. After removing the fish from your tank, drain out the water. Carefully pour the gravel into the bucket with bleach solution. Try to avoid splashing the bleach solution. Let the gravel soak for at least 30 minutes in the solution.

3. Drain off the bleach solution and thoroughly rinse the gravel with tap water three or four times.

4. Place the gravel back into your fish tank and refill with water according to your usual tank-filling procedure.

Tips & Warnings

• Bleach can irritate the skin and eyes and discolor clothing. Use care when pouring bleach or bleach solutions.

References

• "Setup and Care of Saltwater Aquariums (Animal Planet Pet Care Library)"; David E. Boruchowitz; 2007