Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am no boilogist, but, everyone (zoos, vets) seem to agree that Virosan is the "answer" to viruses/bacteria. While I do use this product, I wonder how effective it is, especially compared to water bowls compared to just "air drying." I only have two snakes, so I can understand how those with large collections can't afford the time to rotate water bowls, but is that stuff really as effective as everyone says? I like to smell "nothing" before I pour clean fresh water in there, and even with the virosan treatment I still have to wait. Surely those with expensive morphs have very carefull cleaning standards-what are they?

I use chlorahexadine (same as virosan) I get gallons of concentrate for $12 a gallon, A gallon lasts a LONG time.. I use it on everything except plexiglass windows. Water bowls, I dump them spray them and buff them dry (if they already look clean) if not they get washed with antibacterial soap. All of my adults are assigned the same water bowl I don't mix them. I use plastic no spill dog or cat water bowls I get them cheap about 50 cents each when bought in bulk. Babies get the no spill throw away deli cups ( they have a lid with a hole in the center of it). Just started using these on the babies I love them, they can pearch on the bowl without having to get into it, or they can get in and have a soak, but can't spill the bowl unless they manage to completely flip it.
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Ed Lilley, www.constrictorsnw.com
www.reptileinsider.com

Thanks Vinnie

I think superior enterprises sells the no spill deli cups. However, I buy the small plastic food storage containers at Target or Walmart and simply cut a hole in the lid. It cut cleaning time in half due to not dealing with anymore messy spills. The ones I get are square...about 3-4 inches...with blue snap-on lids. They come 5 in a pack for anywhere from 2-4 dollars (depending on sale prices).
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Sincerely, Jason
www.NortheastSnakes.com
NortheastSnakes@verizon.net

Jason got it superior enterprises has them. Really a simple but brilliant idea. I used eveything from condiment cups to tea, and coffee cups before and it was a pain in the rear cleaning all of them.. Plus these stack up so neatly, and they are hard for the babies to get shavings into also.
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Ed Lilley, www.constrictorsnw.com
www.reptileinsider.com

my wife would definately have a problem with the dishwasher method, although I'm sure it's very effective.

I only use metal bowls, so I can rinse, dry, and bake them in the oven for 15min at 350 degrees. I also remember to apply instant hand sanitizer after I put the bowls in the oven. Actually I don't use any chemicals in the cage. I wipe down my cages using water and paper towels. I personally feel like a tiny bit of bacteria might be less dangerous than the chemicals used to fight them. As long as none of the environmental organisms are transferred from one cage to another, Or from one snake to another while handling.