how to quickly disinfect

[avandss]

I need to disinfect a 40gallon QT in a few hours, (it had a brook breakout and lots of meds!)

i was thinking of emptying it, and doing a 30% bleach 70% freshwater for 2-3 hours, having the aquaclear and powerhead running then rinsing it with freshwater a few times with prime, and then quickly refilling with new salt water and adding a fish

any flaws in my plan?

thanks!

 

[Dmorty217]

Bleach with fresh water and rinsing until you can't smell bleach anymore should be just fine

 

[snorvich]

Bleach with fresh water and rinsing until you can't smell bleach anymore should be just fine

Sounds good. Make sure it is dry before refilling.

 

[avandss]

Thank you Dmorty, Steve

 

[Amethyst]

sorry - double post

 

[Amethyst]

Bleach with fresh water and rinsing until you can't smell bleach anymore should be just fine

I'd add to this to rinse until you can't smell or feel the bleach - meaning that the slippery feel is gone.

If you actively wash the tank and equipment, rather than just letting it run with the bleach solution it will go faster. If I was going to let something sit with filter and powerhead running I'd do it after rinsing. I'd run water with 2x the conditioner for awhile, just to make sure all of the chlorine is out, before adding fish back to the tank.

 

[Deinonych]

When bleach dries, it just leaves table salt. No real need to fret with dechlorinators, but it doesn't hurt to be extra careful.

When I disinfect, I wipe down with a bleach solution (using dilution instructions on the side of the bottle), rinse, towel dry and allow to completely dry for 24 hours minimum. Desiccation will kill just about anything.

 

[snorvich]

When bleach dries, it just leaves table salt. No real need to fret with dechlorinators, but it doesn't hurt to be extra careful.

When I disinfect, I wipe down with a bleach solution (using dilution instructions on the side of the bottle), rinse, towel dry and allow to completely dry for 24 hours minimum. Desiccation will kill just about anything.

As Chris said: Desiccation will kill anything.