Cleaning OLD Sponge Filters

[d0hb0y]

I was able to pick up 2 old 10G with heaters, lids and sponge filters from a breeder. These tanks have been sitting around for awhile and need some serious scrapping, scrubbing and cleaning. I would like to know what is the best way to clean out the sponge filters. The sponges are still "spongey" and not hard or "crackly". Most of my search results are for cleaning currently used sponge filters, my new sponge filters have not been used for an unknown period of time.

Any input/suggestions would be appreciated!

TIA

[Pufferpunk]

Rinse everything in hot water & Oxyclean.

[d0hb0y]

Oxyclean!? Really?

I never would have guessed that stuff would be safe for aquarium use! I've been reading on the net about using lemon juice, vinegar, salt, bleach, etc etc. I would never have guessed Oxyclean! Obviously i'll use a decholorinator and rinse with hot water for quite a bit afterwards, but does Oxyclean really do that good of a job?

[Pufferpunk]

A light rinse is all that's necessary. Oxyxlean is nothing more than Hydrogen peroxide.
When water hits it, it turns into harmless hydrogen & oxygen.

[RTR]

But make sure it is the original formula only - several of the many varieties available now contain detergents, which you do not want..

[d0hb0y]

I have to see if I can find my Oxyclean, just in case I don't have oxyclean. Any suggestions on what else to use?

[bastallard]

I like to use baking soda, just make sure you rinse it well.

[Pufferfreak42]

I would just rinse it in old tank water. Regular tap water is not declorinated and there's no salt in it. I wouldn't use any chemicals. BTW, you can use sponges for years without having to get rid of them, I found that out the hard way. Long story.

[bastallard]

Used sponges that have been sitting dry for a while just need to soak in warm tap water for a hour or so then just ring em out and rinse them in clean water.