Is Using Bleach Bad?

[vanvran]

Hi, I can't remember where I read this, but I read that gravel should never be cleaned with bleach or bleach solutions (mixed w/water). Supposedly, the bleach leaches out because it never completely is removed and can kill the fishies. Is this true? I also found tons of posts on yahoo that bleach is a no-no, but vinegar and salt should be used to clean tanks. I am really confused.

 

[loachman]

vinegar can be used on a paper towel, but you dont' want to get it in the tank. it's decent enough for getting rid of scale deposits on the tank rims, heaters, and light fixtures.

Soaps and generic household cleaning supplies, like bleach, are very toxic to fish and should be avoided if you can.

 

[The-Wolf]

do not use bleach unless you are 100% confident that you know what yopu are doing
even half a drop of bleach in 100ltr will kill everything!

 

[vanvran]

do not use bleach unless you are 100% confident that you know what yopu are doing
even half a drop of bleach in 100ltr will kill everything!

Hi, just to clarify--I don't think my post was very clear--I wasn't planning to put bleach into a tank--I know there's a very small ratio of bleach to water when cleaning out an empty tank. The last time I did that, I used 3:1 ratio (3 = water). I also rinsed it about 20 times and then left it in the hot sun to air out for days. (This was last year) I just lost my betta to a few very bad illnesses--one was lymphocystis, and want to really disinfect the tank -- I tossed the gravel and want to be sure that the tank, divider, heater and filter is safe for the next betta. What do you suggest?

 

[mark.w.jones]

Wire brush and dettol

Just kiddin. pm Wilder as he is the Doctor Dolittle of the fish world and may be able to suggest some non toxic cleaner which kills bacteria but is fish safe. I as you have probably guessed have not got a clue.

 

[vanvran]

Wire brush and dettol

Just kiddin. pm Wilder as he is the Doctor Dolittle of the fish world and may be able to suggest some non toxic cleaner which kills bacteria but is fish safe. I as you have probably guessed have not got a clue.

Thanks, will do, nice tank btw.

 

[Tolak]

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=119809&hl=

I've been using it for years, as have many other aquarists. Just be aware of what it is and how to use it, and you will be fine.

 

[fry_lover]

i use a 1 to 20 bleach ratio when getting new plants in (in a bucket for 60 seconds)

never had an issue..... plants flourish and no fish has died or got ill after i put plants in

all you need to do is rinse bleach away and use a de-chlorinator at x5 strength END OF, no issues at all

 

[Biulu]

Hi, I can't remember where I read this, but I read that gravel should never be cleaned with bleach or bleach solutions (mixed w/water). Supposedly, the bleach leaches out because it never completely is removed and can kill the fishies. Is this true? I also found tons of posts on yahoo that bleach is a no-no, but vinegar and salt should be used to clean tanks. I am really confused.

I used a very diluted bleach solution to disinfect stones and wood that I imported from overseas, just to make sure I would not cause any phytosanitary problems. I rinsed it very thorougly during several days afterwards before using it in my tank. It hasn't caused me any problems.

Alcohol is also a good disinfecter (pharmaceutical one, that is 70 or 90%). The advantage is that it is volatile and doesn't leave residues. Another thing I do is to clean first with alcohol, then use hot boiling water for rinsing.

If you are living in a hot climate, leaving it out in the open (sun) as you mention, is also good for killing bacteria.

Hope this helps

 

[dwarfgourami]

I've used a very weak chlorine-based bleach solution when cleaning out tank in the past and had no problems. Like fry lover, I have then cleaned it away and used dechlorinator.

 

[vanvran]

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=119809&hl=

I've been using it for years, as have many other aquarists. Just be aware of what it is and how to use it, and you will be fine.

Thanks, great link and very very helpful!

 

[vanvran]

Thanks for everyone's input! I appreciate it!