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What's the best way to clean an all glass terrarium? What products do you use? When I mist the glass during shedding it leaves little water spots, how the hell do you get those spots off? Thanks.

Hi,
You will probably fine many different solutions out there on the market for cleaning. There are several herp supply companies that sell terrarium-cleaning solutions.

I do not have tanks anymore. I went to plastic style enclosures. When I was using tanks a very Herp educated fellow I know advised me to sanitize at least once every couple of weeks depending on the substrata and the animals you keep. And to spot clean and never leave droppings in the enclosure once noticed.

You can diminish the chance of parasite re-contact buy spot cleaning droppings and sanitize once every so often to help slow down bacteria/virus growth.

The solution I use is a 10:1, water to bleach. Or simply put a shot glass of unscented bleach in a gallon of water. Remove all contents of the terrarium and take it outside or to the bath or shower area and scrub. Allow the solution to set for 30 minutes. Thoroughly Rinse the terrarium with clean water and towel dry. To kill bacteria and viruses the solution ingredients must perforate the cells of that bacteria or virus. The chemical make up of bleach kills most of these when allowed to set and work.

Water spots. I use humidity boxes for shedding. I put moss in a Tupperware container and cut a hole in the top or side for the snake to craw into. I had great success with this method and no spots on the glass. I have had too much coffee. I hope this has helped you. Dann

Thanks. Yeah I thoroughly clean the entire enclosure including hides, water bowls, etc. at least once every month. I normally use dish washing liquid, hot water and a sponge. That works good but I've been having a hard time getting rid of those water spots on the sides of the glass. I just moved my 3.5 ft. redtail boa from her 20L glass cage to a 60 gallon glass cage. Any tips for cleaning that big of a glass enclosure? It's kind of difficult to lug that thing around to the tub or even outside to the water hose. Thanks again.

Oh, Didn’t realize it was a 60-gallon tank.

I use the hotshot portable steam cleaner. It cost about $68.00 and can be use on many other thing in the home. It generates steam at 210 degrees and is hand held and very portable.

You can get one at Wally world/ Wal-Mart. Dann

Joan is absolutely right clean first then sanitize.

If you just want to get rid of the “water spots” on the sides of your glass tanks – these are mineral deposits, so a weak acid like regular white vinegar will do the trick. Use full strength or diluted with water, and apply with a scrub sponge. Rinse well afterwards.

“Cleaning” involves removing organic debris – scrub out the tank with a solution of dishwashing liquid and water and then rinse well in hot water. In order to disinfect properly, this step must be taken first.

To disinfect, use bleach and water as described by Dann above. Proprietary products like Nolvasan or Roccal aren’t as tough on your skin or nasal passages, but cost considerably more.

-Joan

To prevent the water spots on the glass, use bottled water. I have an RO drinking water filtration system, and I use the water from that. It makes a huge difference.