Decontaminating equipment

[Mercury]

I have a native tank running, but when the project has run its course, how do I safely clean the equipment used in the tank?

[blue_ram]

I put 2 capfuls of regular bleach per 10 g and then rinse and then refill and use a dechlorinator let sit and drain again.

You can run the filter with the bleach in the tank as long as you discard the media after you are done.

[brian1973]

sorry but what does run it's course mean, are you getting rid of them or planning on their deaths

I have used vinegar to disinfect tanks and equipment before, others as blue ram stated use bleach. Both will probably kill your bac so be prepared to start over.

[Orion]

I've always figured that anything that lived in the water that was on any equipment or decorations needed the water, so when it dried out whatever was on it most likely would die. I do almost always rinse everything well in tap water before I let it dry out though. If there was something nasty in the tank, like algae (or java moss) that can survive dry periods I just scrub the affected area's with a brush under very hot tap water.

lol, I don't know if this is the proper way or not, but so far it's been kind to me.

[AlyKat]

Originally Posted by Orion

I've always figured that anything that lived in the water that was on any equipment or decorations needed the water, so when it dried out whatever was on it most likely would die. I do almost always rinse everything well in tap water before I let it dry out though. If there was something nasty in the tank, like algae (or java moss) that can survive dry periods I just scrub the affected area's with a brush under very hot tap water.

lol, I don't know if this is the proper way or not, but so far it's been kind to me.

I'm with you Orion...I've always thought the same and have cleaned the same way as well!

[blue_ram]

Originally Posted by Orion

I've always figured that anything that lived in the water that was on any equipment or decorations needed the water, so when it dried out whatever was on it most likely would die. I do almost always rinse everything well in tap water before I let it dry out though. If there was something nasty in the tank, like algae (or java moss) that can survive dry periods I just scrub the affected area's with a brush under very hot tap water.

lol, I don't know if this is the proper way or not, but so far it's been kind to me.

Many protozoans and parasites form spores or cysts or their eggs (in the case of larger parasites) that can survive outside of water for unlimited periods of time. This si a very common survival strategy in nature.

How much this relates to aquarium parasites I do not know. From what I understand, the pioneering nitrifying bacteria in the tank come from the air. In the case of sick fish, I am not sure I would trust air drying alone to sterilize.

[Orion]

I didn't mean for that to sound as callas as it did. All my fish live in pretty similar conditions, and any type of sickness is rare, so the chances of passing something from tank to tank don't bother me much. A healthy fish with a good immune system will be able to fight off nearly anything that comes it's way. I think a wild temp shock of tropical temps to very hot tap water can't do any favors to whatever might be living on equipment. Add the wonderful chlorine to that and IMHO you've got a decent disinfectant for some of natures nasties that might be lurking in our tanks.

I never said I was right or wrong, it's just the way I see the world though my own rose tinted glasses. YMMV

[brian1973]

the only time i used vinegar was to clean a tank after a major die off of unkown cause but other than that my nets go from one tank to the other and all they do is dry out over night.