Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I use Dawn when I clean my alligator's 150 gallon tub. I rinse as much as possible. I am afraid that I may be leaving just a little when I clean out the filter. I hope im not but could this be a danger to my gator if a little got in the water?? Secondly I purchase sponges for cleaning it also. I have been using the ones that come slightly damp. I heard that they use a chemical that is supposed to keep the sponge moist. Now I am kinda paranoid that some of that could be getting in his water also. If anyone could give me some advice I would appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

Chris

Just remember to rinse throughly any thing that you clean with. If you have doubts about the sponge and are worried pitch it and buy one thats natural or just use some old towels cut into rags that you could wash. I myself have used dawn in cleaning platic tubs and noticed if you use hot water it rinses way better then warm or cold. Also remeber if when you fill the tub back up if you see no suds theres probably not enough product if any left in the water to harm animals. If your still concerned after this you could switch to a non toxic tank cleaner which is readily available at pet stores and wont harm the animals. The benefits of using this is it also kills many bad bacteria, fungus, mold, mildew, and various other bad things such as samonella. Hope this helps. Jason

Just remember that plastic is porous and that you will never get all of the chemicals out of it. I would recommend using the aquarium cleaners they sell in pet stores that won't harm your animals...
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All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.

Let's not forget that the plastics themselves give off potentially harmful chemicals too as they slowly biodegrade due to oxidation and other matter-aging processes. I still use plastics for the first couple years and have never had a problem, so these plastic-ingredient/manufacture chemicals probably aren't too unsafe. We all drink from plastic cups occasionally, right?

Just something to ponder. I think that alligators are extremely durable and are undoubtedly less vulnerable to chemical hazzards than we are. Besides, as to the original question,. I really don't think that dish soap contains toxic chemicals. I could be wrong of course, but I have drank it by accident before and other than tasting just awful, I was fine. I personally don't think you need to worry about soaps, but would of course advise you to rinse as much out as possible before returning the animal/s to the environment.

>>Just remember that plastic is porous and that you will never get all of the chemicals out of it. I would recommend using the aquarium cleaners they sell in pet stores that won't harm your animals...
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>>All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.
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"I must have some terrible, deadly disease. It seems that everyone that has screwed me in the past always dies mysteriously a few years later." *Lou Cypher*

ok this all really helps alot. I thank you all for your time in answering my question. I am experienced with alot of snakes but am gradually learning more and more about crocodilians. I have read as much as possible but for the majority all of the things I have found have all been the same for the most part. I just need advice from people who deal with these problems before and can give me a heads up. Thanks again

Chris