I've got some silk plants in my tank which I clean in the tank water when I do a water change but they are getting brown algae on them which is hard to remove. I was wondering if I could wash them in a mild bleach formula or would this bleach the colour out of them?
Silk plants, how to clean them?
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Zagz
Aquarium Advice Addict
I honestly don't know. I wouldn't think so if it was a mild bleach solution, test a spot and see if it does change the color. If it doesn't remember to rinse them well after and use dechlorinator.
Devilishturtles
Aquarium Advice Addict
My thoughts exactly. I would think that it would, but you can always test a small area of the plant to see for sure.
Zezmo
Aquarium Advice Addict
You can soak silk (and plastic) plants in Hydrogen Peroxide overnight, They will look good as new in the morning.
Zagz
Aquarium Advice Addict
Really? Good to know I will try that. How well does the peroxide wash out of them?
Zezmo
Aquarium Advice Addict
Peroxide as it is "used up" basicly turns into water. You can rinse it off, but the small amount clinging to the plants presents no dangers to your tank... unlike bleach.
Skyrmir
Aquarium Advice FINatic
Oh sure, take the easy peroxide solution. (Good idea btw, gonna have to try that myself on some rocks)
But if your in for real fun, let the silk dry completely. Dip in isopropyl alchohol briefly, then light the alchohol. If you've done it right, the alchohol will burn off taking all the algea with it. If not, you have a pile of melted ash ,charred plastic and maybe some burnt fingers. Also works on money and some fabrics, with the same dangers...
Note: This can be VERY dangerous to attempt!
The only plus side is it's quick once the plants dry in the first place. It looks cool if you do it right, but man do you look like an idiot if you get it wrong...
But if your in for real fun, let the silk dry completely. Dip in isopropyl alchohol briefly, then light the alchohol. If you've done it right, the alchohol will burn off taking all the algea with it. If not, you have a pile of melted ash ,charred plastic and maybe some burnt fingers. Also works on money and some fabrics, with the same dangers...
Note: This can be VERY dangerous to attempt!
The only plus side is it's quick once the plants dry in the first place. It looks cool if you do it right, but man do you look like an idiot if you get it wrong...
jrp1588
Aquarium Advice Addict
haha, fire...i like it 
