How to clean new K1. Can I use bleach?

[carperama]

I read where it's best to clean new K1 with Potassium Permanganate to help the bacteria to cling to the K1 but I can't find it locally. I did see where someone said bleach does the same thing and leaves the K1 white so you can see it turn brown form the bacteria. Is this true and is there information on how much to add to 100 gallons? Or is there something else that would work that you can find locally?

[cindy]

If it’s new it should be white

I went searching and found that info on a UK site https://www.koiforum.uk/. The pp strips the coating. Not sure bleach will
Do the same

[BWG]

My first choice would be PP. Get it at most stores with water softener/conditioner supplies and big box stores such as Lowe's and Home Depot often stock it. Easy to order.

Strong bleach solution also a good second choice.

[aquaholic]

I wouldn't get too fixated on try to oxidise your K1 media if it's not convenient. Putting in shiny new K1 will only take a few extra days to become old and sink better. I usually don't bother myself.

I found this research article below that shows K1 was the least effective out of 3 similar floating media types. Unfortunate result as I predominantly use K1 myself but it doesn't have to be the most efficient to still be effective.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/scienc...44860911000422

[BWG]

I'm more concerned with removing any type of residue on the surface due to processing. I have been in many plastics factories and bulk low tolerance parts produced on high speed equipment often aren't the cleanest food grade conditions. Such as hydraulic oil and antifreeze very small continuous leaks leaving a film on parts. Maybe at minimum a good rinse before using is in order.

[carperama]

I decided to buy some Potassium Permanganate. Can I clean the K1/K3 with the PP directly in the 55 gallon barrels that already has my pvc pipes as long as I can drain it safely? Should I use hydrogen peroxide to clean the K1 after the PP soak? I used the 55 gallon black pickling barrels.

[carperama]

I wonder if I should dose the pool with some PP as well before putting the fish in? When I walk in the pool it's slippery has heck. I wonder if there could be a chemical film on the pool liner? The Bestway Power Steel says the liner is PVC, I wonder if it could have algacides in it?

[cottagefog]

If this was my pool/pond I would PP it and bleach it (if I had concerns like yours).

Rinse it out, drain. Fill it back up, treat the water with SAFE ( or something similar).

Then you could always introduce some inexpensive koi just to make sure all-is-well.

PP your K1 in the barrel. Just for peace of mind.

Good luck

[carperama]

If this was my pool/pond I would PP it and bleach it (if I had concerns like yours).

Rinse it out, drain. Fill it back up, treat the water with SAFE ( or something similar).

Then you could always introduce some inexpensive koi just to make sure all-is-well.

PP your K1 in the barrel. Just for peace of mind.

Good luck

So pretty much PP the pool and all the barrels with the K1?

[cottagefog]

To give you peace of mind PP everything!

[carperama]

I read that K1 will start to turn brown in the PP solution. Is this true with new K1 or just used K1. I put 3 grams PP in each full 55 gallon barrels with around 23 gallons of K1 in each.