antibacterial sponges

[ksed]

This might be a silly question, but never the less it might be of a concern, I have been looking for preferably cellulose sponges eg3M but all contain anti bacterial properties. Generally I use these sponges to clean the skimmer. I had found some of these at beauty supply but you could pay up to $10 for a sponge as with the 3M it would cost me 5 for $10. Is the antibacterial properties going to be a concern or can they be washed off with eg bleach or something else?I use to use an Aqua Clear sponge but found it would scratch the inside of the skimmer cup.To abrasive.
Any suggestions would be great!
And perhaps if you could share as to what you may use to clean the skimmer cup.

Thanks
Kevin

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

It may not be a concern, since it may not leach anything significant, but I'd probably use a nontreated sponge or just a rag. I actually use just my hand.

 

[ksed]

Thanks Randy
I think I'm going to stick it out with a simple rag. Safe than sorry.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

:thumbsup:

Happy Reefing.

 

[marineaddict]

I use a soft baby bottle brush to clean my skimmer cup and neck. Works like a charm!

 

[Ralph ATL]

I just use a toothbrush and a moist papertowel.

 

[billsreef]

Those treated sponges do indeed kill fish. It's very common to talk to a new fishkeeper complaining about all their fish dieing shortly (hours) after cleaning algae with a new sponge...the sponge always turns out to be a grocery store purchase So don't get those treated sponges anywhere close to your tanks.

 

[HowardW]

If you go to any of the big dept. stores like Target, Walmart, etc. go to the automotive section and get those large rectangular carwash sponges, then just cut them to size to make as many as you need. They are usually the big yellow or or dark beige ones wrapped in cello and about a dollar.

The carwash sponges are typically never treated with anything like most of the smaller household and kitchen sponges are.