Removing algae from rocks

[evandro.carrenho]

My rocks are somewhat covered by beard algae and it is quite difficult to scrap them.

I am considering removing the rocks from the tank soak them in a chlorine solution for a while, wash them well with some chlorine remover, and put them back.

This is similar to what I do for cleaning the CO2 difuser.

Is this the proper way to do it? Or any other suggestion?

Thanks,
Evandro.

 

[VaughnH]

You are planning to do exactly what I would do in that circumstance. In a strong bleach solution it shouldn't take more than 30 seconds to kill off the algae so it can be brushed off. Then the de-chlorinator will neutralize whatever chlorine is left after a good rinse.

 

[evandro.carrenho]

Thanks VaughnH! I will go that direction.

Regards,
Evandro.

 

[George Farmer]

I've just done the exact same thing. Works a treat.

 

[evandro.carrenho]

I did it as well. It worked great. Beard algae died but were still attached to the rocks. But then was easy to scrub them with a brush.

I had some turbidity on the water due to dirty raised from the substrate... caused by maneuvering of rocks in the tank. Added activated carbon on the filter, and turned on UV for 2 days during the night (also changed 20% of water on those days).

Hope my rocks stay clean for a while...

Regards,
Evandro.

 

[rich815]

>>>>I did it as well. It worked great. Beard algae died but were still attached to the rocks. But then was easy to scrub them with a brush.

I did this too but with H2O2 and on large pieces of driftwood. Instead of scrubbing the dead stuff off I let the wood pieces dry out for a week, then popped them back into my tanks. The plecos and ottos made a feast of the dead stuff and polished the wood clean.