Can’t get rid of bleach smell from rocks

[ramullins86]

I bleached 75lbs of dead rock as there was a lot of decay on it. I bleached it for 2 weeks have rinsed it off multiple time an has been sitting in my house for 2 weeks to dry but still smells of bleach. Is it safe to use still or no? It is for a new tank set up.

 

[King Turkey]

Try soaking in water with a good amount of vinegar. Than rinse with rodi. Hope that helps.

 

[sfin52]

I bleached 75lbs of dead rock as there was a lot of decay on it. I bleached it for 2 weeks have rinsed it off multiple time an has been sitting in my house for 2 weeks to dry but still smells of bleach. Is it safe to use still or no? It is for a new tank set up.

Soak the rock with a lot of prime with the rock

 

[William Mumford]

I would give lemon juice a try. Also can be used as an alternative soak for organics. Its basically citric acid. Hope this helps.

 

[HockeyRooster]

Sunlight helps too. Not sure if it’s possible for you to leave them outside now but it helps.

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

I wouldn't use it unless the bleach smell goes away.

+1 for heavy prime/water soak and sunlight. It will gas off with time

 

[lavoisier]

DO NOT USE as long as you can smell bleach. Be patient and keep soaking and rinsing as has been advised.

 

[Davey-Jones’-Locker]

I had this problem as well when I nuked some rocks. Put it out in the sun, on top of some egg crate for air flow. I also soaked it in RODI with Seachem Prime for a week. Be patient. I know the excitement of trying get it all set up.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Run cold water through it for at least 30 mins which neutralizes bleach and allow to air dry

 

[Billdogg]

Did you use unscented straight bleach? The bleach itself should completely evaporate rather quickly. If you are still smelling something I have my doubts as to whether it is actually bleach. In any case, continue rinsing. Prime will help a lot as well.

 

[Alchameth]

Yep, let it off gas. Best to do it in water with good surface agitation and time.

 

[Enzodog]

I bleached my rocks, had smell. Use prime to soak for 24hrs then rinse in rodi, it worked.

 

[TTP]

Let it sit in the sun for a few days. The air circulation will help and sunlight breaks down bleach

 

[southerntnreefer]

I did bleach, then Prime water, then the power of the SUN for a few days. worked well on 3 different tanks