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http://www.anapsid.org/cleaning.html



Disinfecting and Chemical Sterilization

Disinfecting means pretty much what it says - it removes most of the organisms present on the surface which can cause infection or disease. Disinfecting is not suitable for eradicating mites but is useful against a number of bacterial and viral microorganisms. Sterilization, on the other hand, is the killing or removal of all disease causing organisms. Often the same products may be used to disinfect and to sterilize; the difference is in the strength of the solution and/or the amount of time the solution is left in contact with the surface.



There are many products on the market that may safely be used (when directions for use are carefully followed) to disinfect reptile and amphibian tanks. Two may be found on your grocer's shelves - chlorine (household) bleach and ammonia. Both are highly toxic to you and your animals and must be used with extreme care. Other disinfectants may be purchased through animal supply catalogues, industrial supply houses and feed stores: Roccal-D™, a quaternary ammonia compound, and Nolvasan™ (chlorhexidine diacetate). The latter is useful to have in the herper's collection of supplies because in its dilute form it may be used to flush wounds, treat stomatitis (mouthrot) and soak syringes and feeding tubes. These products are expensive, ranging from $35-55 but, when diluted according to manufacturer's directions (Nolvasan, for example, is used at the rate of 3 ounces per gallon of water) they will last a long time (depending upon the number of enclosures, furnishings and utensils). Bleach should be used at the rate of 4 ounces per gallon of water, ammonia at 3.5 ounces per gallon. Note that weaker solutions should be used on amphibian enclosures and furnishings.)



To disinfect surfaces, generously apply the solution to the surface with a saturated cloth, sponge or spray bottle, or let the object soak in a container of the solution. Let the solution sit for at least 10 minutes; 15-20 minutes is better. To sterilize, let the solution sit for at least one-half hour (be sure to check the manufacturer's directions to see if a stronger solution is necessary for sterilization). Rinse out thoroughly, especially when using bleach or ammonia. If there is any doubt about your ability to thoroughly rinse out an enclosure, or the enclosure is made of wood, you may wish to think twice about using bleach or ammonia. Any residual of these substances left in the tank can cause severe, if not fatal, problems for your animals. Both substances produce strong fumes which can cause internal and external irritations. (Simple Green's aroma is artificial sarsaparilla and is not toxic to reptiles; no information has been found in reference to its use in amphibian enclosures.)

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