How to reuse hydroton (expanded clay pellets)

[rkymtnman]

so i've done some reading. seems like there are 2 popular ways.

1. boil in water/bleach solution for about 30 minutes

2. bake in oven @ 400 degrees F for about 30 minutes

is one way better than other?

are there other options?

thanks,RKY

[GrowTutor]

There are commercial enzymatic cleaners, some people use undiluted peroxide and I suppose you could use ozone if you had enough and kept people/plants/pets out of it.

[Happyweedz]

Hey Rky,

When I recycle Hydroton I do something that uses both those methods.

I don't actually boil it, but I soak in a very hot water/bleach solution for 30-45, rinse it with clean hot water, then bake at 400...and I leave mine in the oven for an hour.

[rkymtnman]

thanks happy. does it stink up the oven at all?

[Happyweedz]

No, it doesn't smell much....I have usually done the bleaching and rinsing in the same air space so bleach is the strongest smell...

[rkymtnman]

should have asked this too: about how much bleach? like a capful/gallon? more?

[Happyweedz]

I usually do about half cup bleach in about 3 gallons hot water. Then when I rinse I fill the sink with clean, hot water and let it soak. After about 15-20 minutes I start scooping it out with a small colander and hold each scoop under hot water from the faucet before dumping it onto a towel.

Oh.....and I bake mine on cookie sheets, covered with foil(cookie sheet, not Hydroton)...if that helps.

Happy

[rkymtnman]

yeah, thanks for the help. i was gonna clean mine this weekend so it's done and i won't have to fool with it later.

i'm itching to get my system up and in test mode. finally got all my fittings. just gotta finish all the pvc work.