What is the most efficient way to clear biomedia from algae and other contaminants

[Ingen]

Planning to restart my 2ft for the third time after losing my battle with BBA and most of my mini pellia did not make it out of the treatment alive, I reckon there will be algae spores in the seachem matrix too.

I have plans to reuse the biomedia, what would be the most efficient way to clear away the spores from the biomedia before I start the cycle again?

[seihakou]

Bacter 100 powder, read about it able to combat algae in a small way.

[Urban Aquaria]

Maybe boil them and then soak them in H202 + Excel + Algecide of your choice for a few days, then dry them before usage.

Algae spores are usually super hardy though, not sure if it'll be effective... but its worth a try. Then again, BBA and other algae can hitchhike in anytime from new plants and hardscape too, so either way they will eventually find their way back into tanks anyways, just depends if conditions are right for them to flourish.

Otherwise, if you want to be sure, just toss out the bio-media and buy brand new ones.

[Ingen]

I will try soaking it in boiling water and let it dry out.

[5stars]

If you dare, you can soak them in a very mild bleach solution, which will definitely kill all algae spores. Then after that soak in an overdose of anti-chlorine solution, changing the solution maybe 2-3 times to play safe.

That's how I normally treat any aquarium deco/tanks/media I wish to sterilize.