Bleach Turned My Foam Filter Brown

[Jayhawk88]

I have an Aqua Clear foam filter insert that I've been using in my sump. It had a bunch of slimy algae on it that I was having a hard time removing from just rinsing, so I soaked it a few hours in a water/bleach solution (1/4 bleach). When I took it out, it had turned brown. Should I be concerned with this?

Also, how do I know when it is OK to use it again? I rinsed and rinsed, but I still can't completely get rid of the chlorine smell.

Thanks for your help!

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

The bleach may have altered the chemical nature of the foam, or it might have left certain metal or other impurities on the foam when the organics were removed. The bleach may have soaked into the foam, and it may take a little while for the smell to go away. Perhaps try setting it out in the sun for a few days, or soak it in a solution containing alcohol for a day or two.