If you owned coral for any length of time, you know that keeping them looking clean over time is essential. This will make them a beautiful and exciting centerpiece wherever the coral is displayed.
In this guide, learn how to clean coral with vinegar in a few simple steps. This process will remove any built-up residue or grime stuck to the coral.
How To Clean Coral With Vinegar
The process of cleaning coral is often used on coral that is dead and no longer active in an aquatic ecosystem. Although you can clean some living coral with the following techniques, it is most often used on dead decorative coral.
What You Will Need:
As you can see, the materials need to clean coral are very simple and likely lying around your house somewhere already.
Let’s dive in on how to clean coral with vinegar
Steps for Cleaning Coral With Vinegar
1: Prepare the Vinegar Solution
- Begin by filling a 5-gallon bucket with a few inches of water. In most cases, after the vinegar is added, this will be more than enough solution to cover the entire coral when in the bucket/
- After the water is in the bucket, add enough vinegar so that the bucket is 1/4th of the way full.
- If you are not using a 5 Gallon bucket, simply ensure your solution is 2:1 using water and vinegar
2: Submerge the Dirty Coral
- Submerge the dirty coral into the solution, and allow it to sit for one minute.
- It is often not a good idea to submerge live coral, so if your coral is still alive, simply pour some of the solutions over top.
3: Restore Discolorations and Remove Debris
- To thoroughly clean the coral, begin by removing it from the solution.
- Use a toothbrush to agitate anything on the coral’s surface. At this stage, the dirt and debris should be easily rubbed off the coral.
- If the grime is not coming off, submerge the coral into the vinegar for one more minute
4: Rinse the Coral
- After you have scrubbed the vinegar solution into the coral, give it a thorough rinse.
- The easiest way to rinse the coral is using a sink. This will clear the coral of any grime still left on its surface after the scrubbing process
Note: Do not use high water pressure to clean the coral as it can break. Always use water from either a sink or hose.
5: Let the Coral Dry
The last step is to let the coral dry out. If your coral is still living, return it to its aquatic tank immediately, and do not let it dry out.
- Avoid letting the coral dry in direct sunlight as this can cause discoloration and damage the overall appearance.
Congrats! You have learned how to clean coral with vinegar! Continue reading to see answers to coral FAQ.
How To Clean Coral FAQ
How To Clean Coral Without Bleach
- Coral can be cleaned using a soap detergent or vinegar instead of using bleach. To clean the coral, fill a bucket with a 2:1 ratio of water to vinegar, submerge the coral for one minute, scrub and rinse the coral, then leave it out to dry.
Can You Change Corals Color?
- Yes, you can change the color of your coral to better fit what you prefer. This process is referred to as “coral dipping.” Below is a fantastic guide on how to dip your first coral.
Will Vinegar Harm A Saltwater Aquarium?
- Vinegar will not harm any of the inhabitants of a saltwater aquarium. If you use vinegar to clean coral it is always advised to rinse all of the vinegar off before placing it back in the aquarium.
Can You Bleach Coral?
- Bleaching coral can lead to more discoloration than you may think. Instead of returning the dried coral back to a bright white color, it produces a patchy yellow and white look.