First time Regenerating GFO, question

ReefsandGeeks · 12/11/2016, 12:46 PM

I've read through the instructions online for regenerating GFO, and it says to use drain cleaner and always seems to say to use the powdered Lye. Can I use liquid Draino or does it have to be the powdered stuff? I remember last time I went out to try to get the powdered stuff, I couldn't find any that seemed to me to be 100% lye, so I didn't get any. I now have a big bottle of liquid driano (not gel) and would liek to know if that's okay to use. If not, what brands/kinds of the powdered stuff have you used before with success?

ReefsandGeeks · 12/12/2016, 10:19 AM

I think I'll take the lack of response as a no-go. I guess I'll have to keep hunting for the powdered/granular lye drain cleaner. Any suggestions on brand other than "Roebic Crystal Drain Opener" or "Rooto Drain opener"?

nereefpat · 12/12/2016, 10:56 AM

It looks like drano also has soap and bleach in it, so be aware of that. Seems like you can still buy lye at grocery and hardware stores. I'll look next time I go, since my shower drain needs it.

kecked · 12/12/2016, 09:04 PM

buy sodium hydroxide pellets.

zachfishman · 12/14/2016, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kecked

buy sodium hydroxide pellets.

This. Do not trust any "drain opener" product because you do not know what else is in it. I buy in bulk from sites like Essential Depot or other soap-making supply websites - their products need to be pure and free from impurities.

ReefsandGeeks · 12/15/2016, 12:41 PM

I ordered a few containers of Lye from amazon. I was out yesterday picking up some supplies to make a water mixing station and didn't see any in the stores, so I guess I'll just have to wait for it to be shipped in.

12/11/2016, 12:46 PM	#1
ReefsandGeeks Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,708	First time Regenerating GFO, question I've read through the instructions online for regenerating GFO, and it says to use drain cleaner and always seems to say to use the powdered Lye. Can I use liquid Draino or does it have to be the powdered stuff? I remember last time I went out to try to get the powdered stuff, I couldn't find any that seemed to me to be 100% lye, so I didn't get any. I now have a big bottle of liquid driano (not gel) and would liek to know if that's okay to use. If not, what brands/kinds of the powdered stuff have you used before with success?

12/12/2016, 10:56 AM	#3
nereefpat Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Central Nebraska Posts: 3,190	It looks like drano also has soap and bleach in it, so be aware of that. Seems like you can still buy lye at grocery and hardware stores. I'll look next time I go, since my shower drain needs it. __________________ Pat Current Tank Info: 125 in-wall , 40b sump. 6 bulb T5. ASM G2 skimmer. LPS and leathers

12/12/2016, 10:19 AM	#2
ReefsandGeeks Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,708	I think I'll take the lack of response as a no-go. I guess I'll have to keep hunting for the powdered/granular lye drain cleaner. Any suggestions on brand other than "Roebic Crystal Drain Opener" or "Rooto Drain opener"?

12/12/2016, 09:04 PM	#4
kecked Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 44	buy sodium hydroxide pellets.

12/15/2016, 12:41 PM	#6
ReefsandGeeks Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,708	I ordered a few containers of Lye from amazon. I was out yesterday picking up some supplies to make a water mixing station and didn't see any in the stores, so I guess I'll just have to wait for it to be shipped in.