Some Hygiene Questions

[MstrLinks]

I still consider myself a beginner somewhat because I have soo much to learn. I have some questions about hygiene that i'm unsure about and worried about what's the right thing to do. Here they are;

1. I once heard that I should clean a net after each time I use it on a fish. Should I and should I sterililze it?

2. Is it true that you don't have to clean subrstate right out of the bag unless it's natural coral? If not how should I clean it?

3. How about decorations and such? How may I clean those?

4. Last but not least equipment and such. If I place a submersible heater in or some kind of filter or equipment do I have to clean it somehow?


Sorry for so many questions. Just a bit lost...

Thanks in advance..

-MstrLinks

 

[modaz]

1 I clean my nets with just very hot water after use

2 always wash your substrate (only gravel) under a tap as many times as you can bare otherwise it takes ages for your tank to clear and will block your filter up quick

3 again i clean with very hot water and an old toothbrush.

4 follow the instructions for your filter to clean it, it should be done on every water change or every ohter depending on how often you do the water change, your heater, unplug it take it out and again just scrub it with something that you will only use to clean the tank with, i use a fine wire wool, clean it as it needs it.

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

On number 2: Coral substrates shouldn't be used in a freshwater tank unless you are trying to correct for extremely soft water. All substrates should be rinsed to remove as much dust as possible...if you are using sand you can use a cloth bag to strain out the dust.

On number 3: Depending on the decoration and why it needs to be cleaned...you can boil some things to help sterilize. You can also use a 1 part pure chlorine bleach to 19 parts water solution to clean things. Make sure you rinse very very well if you do this however, and i would recommend leaving it out of the tank for at least 24 hours to let any remaining chlorine evaporate off.

For cleaning the exterior of the tank I recommend a vinegar and water solution. This will help to remove any hard water marks, and use balled up newspaper for a streak free shine!

 

[MstrLinks]

4 follow the instructions for your filter to clean it, it should be done on every water change or every ohter depending on how often you do the water change, your heater, unplug it take it out and again just scrub it with something that you will only use to clean the tank with, i use a fine wire wool, clean it as it needs it.

I mean if I put a piece of equipment in the tank (that actually comes in contact with the water) do I need to actually clean the whole equipment? Can it contain debris from the factory that can contaminate the water?

And regarding rinsing nets and substrate with warm water would the chlorine from the water contaminate those things somehow?

thanks.

 

[rdd1952]

1) I use my nets so rarely, I've never cleaned them. They sit out and any bacteria that was on them from the last time I used them would surely be dead in a couple months if I need them.

2) As mentioned, I always rinse my sand just to remove the dust from it.

3) Any bought decorations have gone straight in the tank after a rinse under the tap. I have soaked my drfitwood just to help it stay submerged.

4) I rinse my filter packs (HOB filters) in old tank water every time I do a water change. I only change the filter pack when they are to worn to function properly. I onlly clean my canister filters about every 3 months. I never clean the heater and rarely touch it unless I bump it and need to straighten it back up.