How to steralize a tank after a sick fish

[Mariah]

Hi,
I was just wondering how to make sure a tank is clean after a sick fish had been in there?
I got a betta for free because he was dying and well he died It is a 1/2 gallon tank. I have washed it out with hot water so im wondering if thats enough?
Thanks

 

[astroboy]

yes, should be fine, don't worry so much

 

[3fsh]

I would use a dilute bleach solution just in case. Just make sure it's rinsed out REALLY well and doesn't smell like bleach afterwards. That will kill any diseases or parasites that were in there.

 

[Undawada]

A word of warning if it is an acrylic tank. I've heard that acrylic can absorb small amounts of bleach (or other chemicals) and release them later.

I don't have any exerience with this, I don't use bleach or chemicals to clean my tanks, but something to think about.

edit : also be careful with boiling water. The extreme temerature can cause a tank to crack.

Water and salt, and kill anything sticking to the glass without using harsh chemicals. Be careful that the salt is completely dissolved, so you don't scratch the tank, and make sure to rinse well.

Water and vinegar is another option. You have to rinse very well, and acrylic may hold the vinegar as well, so be careful.

 

[Mariah]

I think im just going to use water to clean the tank. I dont really trust myself using chemicals when dealing with fish
Thanks

 

[Undawada]

Good idea, and you're welcome

 

[bugsy66]

Yes I would do a diluted vinegar rinse. I used to use bleach but turned to using vinegar instead. Just don't leave it in there long and rinse well. A bit of left over vinegar as appose to bleach will no hurt fish but bleach will kill them.

 

[BigC]

I've said this sooooo! many times in the past. Rinse well with a good saline solution (Cooking Salt and hot water)

 

[WILDER]

Cooking salt is the best, vinegar takes time to get rid of the smell.

 

[tttnjfttt]

What about this method that I used after a columnaries infection? [Please note, I am not recomending this, just asking about the effectiveness of this]

What I did was I put about 20x's the medicine dose in the tank and left it sit for a week, then wasshed everything wiht HOT water. I have kept a betta in that tank since, wiht no problems. Was I just lucky or did that really kill the disease? I know I tried with just hot water and the disease came back on the next fish who was healthy when I bought him.

 

[Undawada]

I personally use a strong salt water mixture.

Have used vinegar in the past.

 

[Karah's_Mommy]

What about sun bleaching ? My lfs recommended a hot water wash, then leaving the tank/ornament/whatever in the sun for 4 days.

 

[Undawada]

that works to kill off nasties, just have to be careful or you'll dry out the silicone sealant.