Initial tank cleaning

[benhamtroll]

I just bought a new 20L ($20 on sale at PetCo. Woo!), and I need to get it cleaned and ready for bringing the snake home next week. What would you recomend to clean the tank initially. Do I really need to buy a special cleaning product, or would a 50/50 bleach solution do the job? I use TSP (trisodium phosphate) for cleaning beer bottles for brewing. Has anyone used it? I know it takes minimal rinsing for use in human consumption . . .

Thanks!

Chris

[joepythons]

I just bought a new 20L ($20 on sale at PetCo. Woo!), and I need to get it cleaned and ready for bringing the snake home next week. What would you recomend to clean the tank initially. Do I really need to buy a special cleaning product, or would a 50/50 bleach solution do the job? I use TSP (trisodium phosphate) for cleaning beer bottles for brewing. Has anyone used it? I know it takes minimal rinsing for use in human consumption . . .

Thanks!

Chris

You can clean it with the 50/50 bleach solution,just make sure you spray it down with plain water.This helps to make sure you do not leave a bleach residue.Of course let it air dry after you clean down with just water.I do not think i would use the TSP .

[benhamtroll]

What about wiping it down good with Clorox wipes?

[joepythons]

What about wiping it down good with Clorox wipes?

I think that would be to high of the bleach content.Do you have a small spray bottle to use when ever you clean your cages? If you can still smell bleach just rinse down again or let it air dry until you are not smelling bleach.Then the day before you expect your snake spray it down with just water to make sure its totaly cleaned.

[jglass38]

You can initially clean the tank with some soapy water. There is no need to use bleach or go crazy with it. I don't use bleach ever around my animals, but that is just a personal choice. Chlorhexidine is the way to go! http://reptilebasics.com/store/home.php?cat=249

I personally mix 4 oz or so per gallon rather than the 2oz recommended. It is extremely safe as a disinfectant.(its used as an oral rinse in surgeries)

[Ginevive]

I just use regular dish liquid. And a scrubbie sponge; I only scrub the tank floor.. I don't scrub the sides because it will scratch; I just use the spongie part.
With this being a new tank, I would just rinse it out lightly with dish soap, rinse better than good, and be ready.

[joepythons]

You can initially clean the tank with some soapy water. There is no need to use bleach or go crazy with it. I don't use bleach ever around my animals, but that is just a personal choice. Chlorhexidine is the way to go! http://reptilebasics.com/store/home.php?cat=249

I personally mix 4 oz or so per gallon rather than the 2oz recommended. It is extremely safe as a disinfectant.(its used as an oral rinse in surgeries)

I have never heard of this stuff Jamie,thanks for the input here .Yes i am agreeing with you again :eek: :eek: .

[Ginevive]

I am thinking of getting some Chlorahex though; can you put it into a spray bottle and dilute it so it's easier to use? More importantly, does it rinse easily? I hate bleach and soaps because of the rinse toughness.

[jglass38]

I am thinking of getting some Chlorahex though; can you put it into a spray bottle and dilute it so it's easier to use? More importantly, does it rinse easily? I hate bleach and soaps because of the rinse toughness.

You definitely dilute it. 2-4ozs per gallon of water. There is no need to rinse it but rather just wipe it dry with paper towel. It is perfectly safe!

[jglass38]

I have never heard of this stuff Jamie,thanks for the input here .Yes i am agreeing with you again .

Wise arse!