Stinky,does hydroton ever come clean?! Anyone??

[iniganja]

Just picked a 10L bag last night and let it soak overnight, drained, and let it soak again for a good 3 hours. Since then I have been cleaning them by hand in the shower using strainers and the sprayer...the sh*t doesn't come clean. Just when I think its good I'll sift it around and more red crap falls off. From what I read it shouldn't be this difficult..What am I doing wrong?? I need this stuff ready to go asap!! Please help...

iniganja Reviewed by iniganja on 12-30-2007. Stinky,does hydroton ever come clean?! Anyone?? Just picked a 10L bag last night and let it soak overnight, drained, and let it soak again for a good 3 hours. Since then I have been cleaning them by hand in the shower using strainers and the sprayer...the sh*t doesn't come clean. Just when I think its good I'll sift it around and more red crap falls off. From what I read it shouldn't be this difficult..What am I doing wrong?? I need this stuff ready to go asap!! Please help... Rating: 5

[stinkyattic]

Your pump filter should catch the rest of the dust. I clean mine in a spaghetti strainer.
You need to worry more about stabilizing its pH.
Soak it in water that is pH'd to 5.5 and watch as the pH rises over the next few hours! I use a aerator during this process to more closely simulate my res conditions. Keep adding pH down until it STAYS at 5.5-6 for 24 hours, then rinse well with fresh water. Now it's ready to use. Keep a close eye on pH until you're certain that it is stable.

[iniganja]

perfect! thanks a bunch!

[OLDJIMMYBONES]

I clean mine in a spaghetti strainer..

thats wat i do works good

[Opie Yutts]

The easiest way to get the red out is to poke a small hole in the top of the bag, and one in the bottom. Put a hose in the top and let it run. Just go away for 10 or 15 minutes, and when you come back they will be cleansed of the red. You only have to do this once. As far as cleaning them between harvests, I use a strainer and rub them well with my hands as hot water is pouring over them. I know this is wrong, but I've never PH'd my rocks. They are supposed to be more PH friendly than other mediums.