Bleach smell after cleaning rocks

Ankaa

New member
Hi,

I'm currently in the process of re-setting up my tank after almost a year. When I had it last, all my rocks had acquired a good amount of green (sitting) algae. To clean it (and potentially kill anything hazardous), I soaked everything in 10% bleach for about 15 min (following instructions I found on the internet). I then rinsed it thoroughly, let it sit in a bucket full of tap water overnight, rinsed again and let it sit in some saltwater for another few hours. Rinsed again and then let it sun-dry. However, some of the rocks still have a light bleach smell. Am I good to put them in the tank (currently cycling) or is it hazardous for any fish that will move in if I can still smell it?

Thanks for any advice. :reading:
 
I've bleached rocks before. Soak them in RO/DI and prime for a few weeks. I have never used rock that smelled like bleach. I would rinse it longer before using.
 
If you had the time and inclination the RO/sun dried path is what I would choose.

However, getting them in the tank now seems to be in your advantage. For that Sk8r gave the best solution.

HTH
 
Thank you all for your feedback!

I have them soaking some more with Prime at the moment and then will let them dry in the sun for a little while longer, as in: a few days.

I will then put them in the tank with more prime.
 
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