How to prepare a new biological plastic substrate?

Whether Bioballe, Kaldnes K1/K3 or Hélix, these small devices are manufactured by pouring hot plastic into a mold previously coated with wax (to facilitate unmolding).

But after unmolding, a light film of wax persists on the surface of the plastic, which tends to slow down the colonization of bacteria responsible for the biological nitrogen cycle (Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter, Nitrocystis).

In order for the creation of this biofilm to be the fastest, we recommend cleaning these filtration substrates with the following method:

In a plastic container containing 100 liters of tap water, add 20 g of Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4), then place the plastic devices for 48 hours, then rinse them thoroughly before placing them in your filter.

Potassium permanganate, with its strong oxidizing power, acts by dissolving the wax film, but it also attacks the surface of the plastic to make it rougher, which makes it easier for bacteria to adhere.

Potassium permanganate is available without a prescription in pharmacies (generally in 1 g sachets).

Do not apply this method on “Chip” type biological substrates (polyethylene foam disk).

Warnings

• Protect your eyes (goggles) and wear gloves, because potassium permanganate is irritating and corrosive.
• If splashed in the eye, rinse directly under tap water then contact a doctor immediately.