Re-using air stones after TTM?

[lespaul339]

So I have about 20 air stones laying around that I used for TTM. They've been sitting around for about 6 months. Why can't I just soak them in vinegar water for a day and then let them air dry outside in the hot sun for a week and reuse them again for TTM? Or what about soaking them in formalin? Doesn't ich die off after 24 hours of being air dry anyways? Why can't/shouldn't I reuse them?

 

[scooter31707]

Tagging along. I have always thrown mines away when I do the transfer and clean the tank.

 

[Brieninsac]

I soak mine in bleach and water for about 30 mins., rinse and then let them air dry for about a week.

 

[lespaul339]

That's what I'm thinking. It just seems like a waste to throw out that many air stones. I know they're cheap, but still.

 

[Spar]

the issue with airstones is how extensively porous they are. many people feel the confidence level of guaranteeing that all nooks and crannies throughout it being cleansed is low.

likely though, soaking in vinegar or bleach solution, rinsing, and then letting dry for a week or longer would be just fine. i personally just choose not to fret over 50 cents given i am not at 100% confidence.

 

[m0nkie]

you don't need an airstone. just tie the airtube to a PVC. large bubble is perfectly fine for TTM

 

[lespaul339]

For me it's a matter of convenience. I have to drive a half an hour to pick some up, or order online and wait for them to be shipped. With over 20 sitting around I think why not reuse if I can?

 

[Sk8r]

bleach, then Prime to remove the bleach.

 

[microlady]

you don't need an airstone. just tie the airtube to a PVC. large bubble is perfectly fine for TTM

Yes, I agree. I never use airstones.

 

[piusma]

I have been using a aqua lifter pump to pump bleach through air hose and air stone then do the same thing with prime.

After the two processes, I use the aqua lifter to pump air through hose and air stone for a few days to ensure they are completely dried.

Not sure if that makes sense.

 

[ThRoewer]

I never use airstones - just pumps or nothing.

In general, porous items are more reliably sterilized with heat than chemicals.
If this is to kill off ich all that's needed is to throw them in a pot with water that is above 40°C - I would go 60°C to be on the safe side and stay below 70°C where plastic starts getting soft - and keep them in there for an hour.

 

[firemountain]

I buy sodium percarbonate (Oxyclean ) in bulk from eBay. Costs me around 2 bucks a pound. A little goes a long way, but I add a generous amount to hot water, mix it up, and let it soak for up to 6 hours. I then rinse in rodi water and then I am done.