Germicidal bleach

[mfinn]

Is germicidal bleach going to be as effective as regular bleach for dissolving organic matter such as mats of algae or unwanted button polyps?
I recently bought a few cases to run through a large tank and some rock and the first thing I noticed was the lack of a bleach smell.
The active ingredient on the label says it has 6% Sodium Hypochlorite and yields 5.7% available chlorine.

 

[mfinn]

@Randy Holmes-Farley

 

[Dan_P]

Is germicidal bleach going to be as effective as regular bleach for dissolving organic matter such as mats of algae or unwanted button polyps?
I recently bought a few cases to run through a large tank and some rock and the first thing I noticed was the lack of a bleach smell.
The active ingredient on the label says it has 6% Sodium Hypochlorite and yields 5.7% available chlorine.

Regular bleach is ~5% hypochlorite, making it a little weaker than than the brand you show. Also, household bleach may contain a detergent. Your brand should be equivalent.

 

[mfinn]

But there is a complete lack of a chlorine smell.

 

[Dan_P]

But there is a complete lack of a chlorine smell.

When in doubt test. Easiest and cheapest way is to buy chlorine test strips.

 

[Reefahholic]

If I didn’t smell that strong bleach smell, I personally wouldn’t waste my time with it. Can you simply bring it back?

One thing is for sure...regular bleach absolutely obliterates most organic matter.

 

[SeaJay]

Germicidal bleach is supposed to be a higher concentration than regular bleach. I learned that when I used it in my laundry and it burned holes in my towels.

 

[Reefahholic]

Germicidal bleach is supposed to be a higher concentration than regular bleach. I learned that when I used it in my laundry and it burned holes in my towels.

Never heard that. Good to know.