Problems associated with tank transfer method

[maddhugan]

So I have 6 sets of 30 gallon tanks, heaters, circulation pump for tank transfer method. After a batch went through I was cleaning the infected tank, heaters, pumps to get rid of the ich cysts so that next batch of fish could go through tank transfer method. After cleaning, I air dried for 48 hrs with the help of a portable fan, and everything seemed bone dry. However, when I vigorously shook the heater, some water drops came from the head of the heater. That kind of scared me. What if there are some ich cysts in that trapped water inside the heater?

So, I thought of using this immersion boiler to boil the water once the fish are removed to sterilize the tank and all equipment inside it. see this immersion heater at amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BDB4UG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

It is called the "Allied precision the premier line 742G bucket water heater.

Ich cysts die at 40 C but with this heater I can heat the water to 80 C for an hour. SO the idea is that the water trapped inside heater, pump and all equipment will also reach 80 C and all cysts will die off for sure.

what are your thoughts on this?

 

[maddhugan]

will the aquarium glass, seam and everything withstand 80 C

will the aquarium glass, seam and everything withstand 80 C

Will it? well I will give it a try this Tuesday and will update you all.

 

[jalisco]

Why wouldn't this work? It is how mammals have dealt with unwanted organisms for millions of years, you're simply giving the tank a fever. The whole time I was reading this I was thinking a hefty addition of vinegar but I like your idea.

 

[Squibege]

Glass may crack on the heater/ other equipment if it gets too hot too fast

 

[maddhugan]

yeah, thats a problem

yeah, thats a problem

Glass may crack on the heater/ other equipment if it gets too hot too fast

It will get hot gradually, and that's not a problem, but the problem is .......finding out the highest temp the tank can withstand without the glass cracking or the heater or pump wire degrading or melting. Also there is a concern of silicon splitting with glass due to different expansion coeff.

we will find out soon.........
these are cheap 20 gallon petco glass tanks...

 

[scuzy]

glass can withstand a lot of heat. this boiler while in water will never get to the point of melting or cracking that tank.

 

[Crispy001]

There should be enough slop in the glass and plastic frame that expansion isn't an issue. Silicones generally do well in high temperatures, but I'd certainly test this outside and treat it like it could explode at any moment. You'd want to warm and cool anything glass very slowly to prevent cracking.

 

[Madehtsobi]

Why don't you just use a bleach solution?

 

[maddhugan]

no bleach for me

no bleach for me

Why don't you just use a bleach solution?

Because I don't want to? too much work? one cannot re-use the water once the bleach is added? will the bleach enter the tiny hole in the heater head? if so in what conc? etc etc etc

I do know that I could add bleach but I don't prefer that for several reasons?

 

[jalisco]

I would be shocked if a tank incurred any damage below 200F. To be certain why not purchase a Chinese 10 gallon and try break it with the heater. A ten gallon isn't under as much stress as a larger tank but it's paper thin glass should still make for a decent reference.

 

[woodnaquanut]

Issues I'd be concerned about...
Will it heat the volume of water you have? It is a 1000W heater.
Will it contaminate the water with any metals?
Would heaters (regular aquarium) seals survive the heat?

What would I do?
Bleach and replace the heater in question. If it's retaining water/leaking it needs to be replaced!

 

[scuzy]

bleach will be best let the tank sit in bleach water solution with all gear
next day wash rinse and air dry. ready for use 3rd day. Bleach evaporates.

 

[DOGGIE750]

Run it bleach man, forget boiling. Then run it with water with de-chlorine solution.

 

[jalisco]

Issues I'd be concerned about...
Will it heat the volume of water you have? It is a 1000W heater.
Will it contaminate the water with any metals?
Would heaters (regular aquarium) seals survive the heat?

What would I do?
Bleach and replace the heater in question. If it's retaining water/leaking it needs to be replaced!

When you put it like that boiling seems pretty silly. You are consistently the voice of reason and I always look forward to your 3 cents.