Ridding of Macro Algae on LR

Thanks for sharing that!

You know, reading that I begin to wonder if this method would not be better than most people's standard nuking procedure which often involves bleach.

I wonder what people say about the effectiveness of using heat and vinegar versus using bleach.

I am very interested to find out as this would be much easier than using bleach and a lot safer.

Only thing I would add is to increase the cook time to 1 hour to be sure I got everything. But other than that it seems like it would be very effective. . . .

 

Bleach is evaporated at room temperature. That's why it's used. (I've used it for micron socks, nuking rocks, etc). I know scientifically it's fine all on it's own but I find it necessary to rinse again with RO/DI Water for less scientific needs.

 

microwave is very effective if you are going to nuke a rock. very effective...will kill not only the algae but the spores too.

i think in a normal microwave it takes 20 seconds to do the job.



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edit - nevermind sounds like a good plan you have there. i wouldn't have the macro undergoing light deprivation die in the sump of a tank you are going to use still or has a display, higher chance the spores will settle on the rock in the display then if you killed in a separate tank. Also there is the risk of hypoxia if it is a lot....

 

I dont know if I can swallow this.

I believe that a lot of the chemicals in bleach are volatile enough to evaporate at room temperature. The thing is, there are so many compounds in bleach OTHER than sodium hypochlorite (NaClO). What's to say they are not accumulated in small amounts? I feel that just because bleach is commonly used, does not make it the best or even a good solution. (we all drive cars and most of them are internal combustion right?) Several of the chemicals in bleach have been identified as possible carcinogens. Also, the VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) released in a typical residence during use (unless nice climate with all the windows open AND a stiff breeze) make indoor air quality an issue.

Again, I dont doubt that the bleach mostly evaporates. It's what's left behind and created during the use that I find objectionable and undesirable compared to other potential options.