Removing Gravel Smell.

[pminister]

Hey All,

I just got tones of gravel from a friend for my 67 Gallon tank. I cleaned the gravel by soaking/ draining the water in a rubbermade bucket, and that definitely removed like bugs as well as little dust from the gravel. As well I even poured a bit of bleach, to kill some germs.

But even since the start, I just can't seem to get rid of this swampy/ fishy smell from it ? Any ideas ??

[JetJumper]

I had got some used stuff not too long ago.  I did LOTS and LOTS of water changes.  Probably atleast 100+ water changes on it.  about a quarter of the water changes were with hot water. 

The stuff came out pretty good! 

Could also try soaking it in Vinegar for a day or two.  then rinse it really well.

[pminister]

Well definitely tried your remedy with vinegar (JetJumper). I was almost tempted to dump 1/4 of clorox (bleach) into the bucket, but stopped b/c i didnt know if it would be safe to put into the tank or not once the gravel is rinsed.

Either way I am calling it quits. I have spent way to much time cleaning it, I am just letting it air dry for now till it goes into the tank. I will just bite the bullet, and deal with the swampy/ beachy smell.


I guess getting things used has its pros n cons. lol

[fishycanuck]

After my recent tank disaster, it was suggested to me that I use a non-chlorine bleach like the Loblaws PC hydrogen peroxide bleach. It has taken most of the smell -  but I'm still leaving it in the garage for a while.