Sterilizing phyto bottles

[Spiffyguy]

How does everyone sterilize their phyto bottles? I am going to be starting up a culture I don't want to buy 2 liter bottles every week or so.

Thanks

 

[coker98]

I just keep using mine after I split them. But if you want sterilization then soak them in vinegar water overnight.

 

[jacob30]

Use bleach. If you really want pure cultures mix your saltwater up with the water and add bleach (i will have to get back to you o the amount). When you are ready to use open and add dechlorinator overnight and begin culture the next day.

This sounds crazy but most fishbreeders that grow phyto for rotifer culuture use this technique.

I would be hesitant to do this for reef culutres so I would just sanitize with bleach, empty and declorinate then fill with mixed water and phyto culutre.

Jacob

 

[jacob30]

Good article talks a little about sterilization:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/aug2002/breeder.htm

 

[Spiffyguy]

thanks for the info Jacob. Not sure where to get muriatic acid, sounds scary lol. I guess it is easier just to get new bottles. I just don't drink that much soda, guess now I have an excuse. The vinegar sounds easier but does that clean the bottles out enough? I would assume with some really hot water that should clean out about anything. I guess I will place my or with Florida farms and get started.

 

[GreshamH]

Muriatic acid is all over the place. It's commenly used for "PH down" in pool stores and in some hobby formulas. ANy HomeDepot, Orchards, Lowes, etc should have it in their pool section. It's also used as a concrete cleaner and glass etcher.

 

[Spiffyguy]

oh ok. I will look for that next time I am at home depot, which is usually twice a week lol.