Cleaning and disinfection questions

[evut]

I'm having serious trouble with my T. marmoratus, and I think I have to re-do two tanks, including disinfecting everything, in case there is an infection. The problem is that both tanks have non-removable 3D backgrounds - one bought, one made by me from polystyrene, silicone and sand. I have lots of plants in both of them, too.

From my research so far, I figured potassium permanganate should be ok for the plants (?). Other recommendations for tank disinfection I have come across include hydrogen peroxide or bleach - does anyone know if either would be safe use with the backgrounds?

I have no idea what made my newts ill, and would like to focus on re-doing the tanks while they are in temporary terrestrial enclosures, so that I don't go crazy just worrying about them.

 

[Jan]

Here are a few more suggestions for disinfecting in the article below....I can't comment, however, on the safety with the backgrounds. Sufaces should be non-porous to allow for complete rinsing and removal of disinfecting agents.

Caudata Culture Articles - Quarantine and Disinfection

 

[evut]

Thanks Jan. The presence of the backgrounds is a nightmare for this.
I am wondering if it would be ok to use a very mild bleach solution, if it was followed by a thorough rinsing and the tank would then be left filled with water and dechlorinator for a couple of days?

 

[Jay Redbond]

Hi Eva,
I use a disinfectant called virkon which is very strong stuff even kills chytrid spores. The good thing about Virkon is that it evaporates so you don't have to constantly rinse it. Providing you have time to allow the tank to stand for a few days before setting it up again.

What I do is dip the whole tank into the virkon leave it for half an hour or more then dip it in fresh water. If you don't have a large enough tub you can apply it by spray. Although it evaporates I would still advice you to rinse it after just in case. It works for me and my cork bark backgrounds.

Hope this helps.

Jay

 

[evut]

Thanks, Jay. I've looked up Virkon - I'm finding Virkon S and also Virkon S Aquatic (more information here), which would seem better to me (?).
I can't dip the tank by the way - it's a 200l :happy:
Does this sound like a good idea: empty the tank, add water with Virkon S Aquatic, then empty and rinse well. I can't find any information about what it would do to plants but considering it is used to treat running and stocked ponds, I guess it should be ok for soaking them.

 

[Jay Redbond]

That sounds good to me. I have never Virkoned plants so would not know if that would work. I always discard the plants that have come from the tank with the health problems, as you can always get new plants and it's not worth the risk.

Kind Regards
Jay