How long do you soak rocks in bleach water to kill parasites?
I аm soaking ѕοmе rocks thаt I removed frοm a river іn order tο kіll аnу possible parasites thаt wουld hυrt mу fish аnd I wаѕ wondering, “Hοw long I need tο soak thе rock before I take thеm out, rinse thеm οff, аnd set thеm out tο dry аnd lеt thе chlorine evaporate οff thеm?” Thеу hаνе bееn soaking fοr a full day now. Iѕ thаt long sufficient?
That should be long sufficient, infact, I’m sure two hours would be about right. Bleach kills everything very quickly.
That’s more than long sufficient. Just be sure to let them sit 24+ hours, and rinse them very well. Also, if the rocks are VERY porous, do NOT bleach them, as there’s no telltale what kind of anaerobic areas the bleach may possibly have gotten into (not exposed to air), which will later leach back into the tank.
EDIT: I would excersise fantastic caution with watch to heating rocks– any gas pockets surrounded by the rock will enlarge more rapidly than the rock, and can potentially explode, sending shards of hot rock out of the oven, and through the room (as well as windows, cabinets, and people that may be near it)…
Check the last warning in the “Tips and Warnings” part: http://www.ehow.com/how_12583_make-rock-oven.html
EDIT 2: I bleach every plant that goes into my tank and have yet to lose a fish, plant, or anything else in the tank from it. As I mentioned, air exposure allows the chlorine gas to diffuse into the air, and dechlorinator will serve a akin purpose.
You may possibly boil them instead.
Is it perilous to boil river rocks though, I know you aren’t supposed to use them in campfires in case they explode?
That should be long sufficient..let them air dry or place in an oven on about 200 degrees for an hour or so. Let the rocks stand out in open air for at least 48 hours for the remaining chlorine to dissipate. Bleach will lose its toxicity after about 24 hours but I’d wait 2 days just to be safe. Some rocks are porous and if this is the case with yours, leave them out in open air (preferably outside in direct sun) for at least 3-5 days before placing in your tank.
You should use a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water, keep that in mind.
Just as a precaution!
Never use bleach on any thing you plot to place in a a fish tank.