GrowTutor

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

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.

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.

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

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...

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

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

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.