Time to clean your reptile tank but don’t know what to do?

Have you recently raised a reptile and wondered how to clean its tank correctly?

I make sure that you want to give your reptiles a healthy environment in which to live and thrive.

This topic today will answer: How to clean a reptile tank?

Conventional disinfectant

Chlorine bleach is a solution of sodium hypochlorite and sodium hydroxide in water. It is also known as household bleach, liquid bleach, and under the brand name Chlorox.

Bleach is a very effective anti-microbial solution. It kills many types of bacteria by denaturing their cell walls, lipids, and proteins.

This also causes irritation of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes on contact, so it is by no means benign.

The main toxicity to non-microbiological life forms from bleach is from smoke, as it can react with other substances, combines and produces volatile organic compounds commonly found in paints and other household chemicals.

Hydrogen Peroxide

It is another form of oxidizing bleach, but it works with oxygen instead of chlorine. It is generally recognized as “safer” but is also less effective without other agents.

It will also release VOC if mixed with some other chemicals. When mixed with vinegar, it produces a highly effective disinfectant called peracetic acid – also highly caustic, don’t touch it or breathe those fumes!

It is really good at treating food surfaces and the foot itself, as long as it is thoroughly washed.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a relatively good cleaner, especially on the glass, but it’s not as effective at killing more terrifying bacteria.

Vinegar is not the right disinfectant for when you have serious health problems.

Alcohol

Alcohol, such as isopropanol rubbing alcohol, is highly effective at killing viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

However, it is not recommended as a surface disinfectant as it evaporates rapidly, thus not providing the contact time required to kill germs and parasites unless used heavily.

It is also very flammable, so it is not a wise choice for cleaning large items.

Ammonia

Ammonia is a caustic and dangerous compound of nitrogen and hydrogen.

Colorless gas with a characteristic dark odor. Although ammonia is generally not considered an antiseptic, its high concentration of ammonia can destroy the oocysts of coccidia, the larval form of the parasite.

Chlorhexidine

Chlorhexidine is a versatile antiseptic and can be used to treat surfaces as well as skin and wounds in lower concentrations.

There are several forms – the most common for veterinary use are chlorhexidine diacetate and chlorhexidine gluconate. Since it needs to be diluted prior to use, either form is acceptable.

Most commercial versions of chlorhexidine are blue.

Other disinfection methods

High temperatures can kill most bacteria, but not all, and some eggs or oocytes can survive extreme temperatures.

Many home steam cleaners are able to reach those high temperatures, but in conventional practice and product instruction, this doesn’t take long enough to be safe. High heat will melt plastic and warp many furniture items.

Conclusion

Although it may seem time-consuming, maintaining proper cleanliness in your reptile tank is critical to the health of your reptile.

With a few simple tools, some disinfectants, and a proper schedule, your reptile tank will be clean and well cared for.

Further Reading:

https://www.petbarn.com.au/petspot/reptile/care-and-maintenance-reptile/clean-reptiles-enclosure/

https://animals.mom.me/how-to-clean-a-reptile-tank-12485520.html