Coolerdor

[Kenyth]

I've read on how to set these up and I have a single question. The instructions say to fill the cooler up with a bleach solution, and let it dry in the sun to break down the bleach with UV. Is this absolutely necessary? It's winter and drying in the sun won't be very effective right now.

On a side note, I do have Sodium Metabisulfate (used in brewing/winemaking), which will break down all the bleach and evaporate completely if I have to do this step.

[Bkcloud114]

I never washed mine with bleach..... I think it is unnecessary..... check out this thread..... Click Here

[centurycigar]

I've read on how to set these up and I have a single question. The instructions say to fill the cooler up with a bleach solution, and let it dry in the sun to break down the bleach with UV. Is this absolutely necessary? It's winter and drying in the sun won't be very effective right now.

On a side note, I do have Sodium Metabisulfate (used in brewing/winemaking), which will break down all the bleach and evaporate completely if I have to do this step.

I skipped that step. I just let it air out in the house, doesn't stink cause its really dilluted.
I left it for a day, smelled it, to make sure there wasn't anymore bleach odor, then I put the baking soda in for another 24 hrs. Should do the trick.

[SuperChuck]

Funny, I was going to suggest iodophor (also used in homebrewing)...

[Kenyth]

Funny, I was going to suggest iodophor (also used in homebrewing)...

Another home brewer maybe?

A good disinfectant with no residual smell. If the bleach step is just to disinfect, it would be great. I get the feeling bleach is used to remove the plastic odor though.

Another good thing to know if using idophor. Sodium Metabisulfate removes iodine stains instantly as well as bleach residue. It also removes chlorine from city water and makes it safe for animals in aquariums. I think it may actually be the active ingredient in the chlorine removal drops for aquariums, but I never got around to checking the labels.

[centurycigar]

Im pretty sure you can skip the bleach step if your cooler doesn't have an overpowering plastic smell.

[hex1848]

I have 4 150 quart igloo coolidors... Never washed them out or anything. Just left them open for a day or two to air them out.

They work fine, and the plastic smell is negligible.

[Kenyth]

That's what I figured. Bleach seemed to be a little overkill. I'll just buy a nice new cooler and let it air out. I'll eventually look for a nice bit of spanish cedar to put in the bottom, or do you think the cigar boxes add enough of that?

[SuperChuck]

Another good thing to know if using idophor. Sodium Metabisulfate removes iodine stains instantly as well as bleach residue. It also removes chlorine from city water and makes it safe for animals in aquariums. I think it may actually be the active ingredient in the chlorine removal drops for aquariums, but I never got around to checking the labels.

Where would one get this stuff? Is it the active ingredient in any brand name items?

I checked the tap water conditioner I have. No mention of active ingredients...

[nhcigarfan]

Another home brewer maybe?

This board is full of them.

B-bright or one step should work.

You don't actually have to fill the cooler, all you really need to do is rub down the inside surfaces, lid included, it a cotton ball or paper towel that has rubbing alcohol on it.

Or do what I did, which I think was nothing.

[Kenyth]

Where would one get this stuff? Is it the active ingredient in any brand name items?

I checked the tap water conditioner I have. No mention of active ingredients...

Brewing or wine making stores, or on line. They sell it in powder or tablet form. It's primarily used to sanitize juice before fermentation. I would research it a bit first before using it in aquarium water. I'm reasonably sure it's perfectly safe since it's a food type additive, but all the info I have on using it as a water conditioner for aquariums I got from someone else on a board. The exact amount to use would also be in question. I've never tried it personally or read about it on a pet site. When it comes to the safety of your fish I would find out for sure first.