Mightyfish
New member
How do you use bleach to sterilize the tanks for transfer method? Hence, how much bleach do you add? and then how do you clean the tank in order to remove all the bleach? rinse it?
How to sterilize tanks when using tank transfer method?
- Thread starter Mightyfish
- Start date
lagatbezan
Active member
I just put a little of bleach in a spray bottle like 1:10 and then sprayed the tank and all equipment. Let it sit for a few minutes and then thoroughly wash and then let dry for 2 days. And then I would wash them before I set it up. As long as everything is fully dried, you should be all good.
I use vinegar, as bleach is too "risky" for me. Immediately after the transfer, I use a mild water/vinegar solution (10:1) to wipe everything down. I then rinse thoroughly and let everything air dry for 3 days until the next transfer.
The vinegar is only for sanitizing purposes. Letting everything air dry for 3 days sterilizes.
The vinegar is only for sanitizing purposes. Letting everything air dry for 3 days sterilizes.
triggreef
New member
IDK whats risky about bleach. I use bleach and rinse well then let it dry. Just make sure it is regular, not scented and not that outdoor bleach they sell now. That outdoor stuff is terrible and leaves a heck of a residue thats near impossible to get off.
Make sure if you use TTM that you let your salt mix a good 24hrs before using. I had an issue with that before. Now I use the old water from display for the tank transfers and I just mix new water for my display. Recycling works.
Make sure if you use TTM that you let your salt mix a good 24hrs before using. I had an issue with that before. Now I use the old water from display for the tank transfers and I just mix new water for my display. Recycling works.
The risk of leftover residue makes me nervous. I figure with vinegar, the worst that can happen is it lowers the pH somewhat. Kinda makes me feel better knowing some people dose vinegar on purpose to lower nitrates/phosphates.
lagatbezan
Active member
I believe once bleach is fully dried, the only residue left behind is NaCl =salt.
Mightyfish
New member
Thanks all for your info. Is it those bottle of bleach that you buy in supermarket for bleaching clothes will do the job?
Yup
I transfer early in the morning and once the fish are out I pour bleach into the tank. I don't measure but it is probably in the 1-2 cup range. I let the tank run until I get home in the evening then drain, wipe everything down well and rinse thoroughly. I wipe dry with paper towels and let everything dry for about 48 hours.
If I have to drain the tank down to get the fish out (usually don't since it is still dark when I transfer and fish are usually pretty easy to catch then) I will just wash with a bleach/water solution [between 1:5 and 1:10 bleach to water ratio], rinse thoroughly and dry.
Bleach is just regular, non scented laundry bleach.
Have not had any issues with these methods.
If I have to drain the tank down to get the fish out (usually don't since it is still dark when I transfer and fish are usually pretty easy to catch then) I will just wash with a bleach/water solution [between 1:5 and 1:10 bleach to water ratio], rinse thoroughly and dry.
Bleach is just regular, non scented laundry bleach.
Have not had any issues with these methods.
avandss
I'm hooked
exact method i use, except i dont wipe it down, i empty the tank and hose it down with rodi water then let it dry for the remaining 48h before the next transfer
