Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

Three questions about proper tank hygiene.

1. Should I dump out all the substrate in the tank from time to time and replace it and if so, how often should I do this?

2. How often should I remove all items and thouroughly clean the tank?

3. How often should I dump out standing water in the water bowl? In addition, how often should I thouroughly clean it and refill with fresh water?

thanks

Hello,

Here ya' go.

1. Yes. It depends on what kind of substrate you're using, but usually every 2-4 weeks. Newspaper or carpet, when it's soiled or every week, which ever comes first. I use CareFresh and other than spot cleaning, there really isn't much to it. I'll usually do an entire cleaning when he defecates, which is around every three weeks.

2. When you do your thorough cleaning, take all of your cage furniture out and disinfect it. I use Virosan now, but before that it was Lysol and really hot water. I use the same thing for the walls of my cage.

3. Every day. Ball Pythons hate water that has even a slight "skin" on it. Keep a bottle of water, uncapped, near the cage so it will dechlorinate and already be at room temperature (thanks Pro Exotics FAQ's) or you can use filtered water. My guy always takes a few good drinks after I change his water at night.

This is what I've always done for my guy and, aside from his problem now, he's never been sick in nearly eight years.

You're welcome.

1. I use Tek-fresh (same as care fresh, just 1/10 of the price) I spot clean daily if needed, and I clean/replace the entire contents every 6-8 weeks.
I love the carefresh for the simple fact that it is very easy to spot any mess the animal may make. This is the reason that I can go for up to 2 months at times before a thorough cleaning. After cleaning a mess or 2 a week, you may have to add a little more substrate.

2. Again, I spot clean daily if needed, and clean everything (change bedding and clean hide) around 6-8 weeks.

3. It is a good idea for every animal to be offered fresh clean water everyday, but as many know, this is not always possible.
I make sure my waterbowls are cleaned and refilled atleast 3-4 times a week. (unless there is something in the water, then it should be cleaned as soon as it is noticed). There will always be a couple of animals that will push thier bedding into the clean water 15 minutes after you have cleaned/refilled it, and when this happens I will clean and refill it right away. With a small collection, there should be no reason not to change your animals water every other day.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the info guys!!!

Products like Lysol or Pinesol contain phenols which can be extremely toxic to reptiles. Do not use them to disinfect snake cages!

-Joan

That's why I always rinsed in water that was almost boiling. I've never had any health problems.

Good questions. This is just what I do mind you, maybe not the 'standard' that most breeders do. I use SaniChip substrate so I don't totally change substrates as much as those that use newspaper or DCL liners, but here are my answers...

1. Should I dump out all the substrate in the tank from time to time and replace it and if so, how often should I do this?
- I do daily spot cleanings picking out feces and urates and tossing the dirty substrate. If there is any mess still on the tub, I use a mixture of water, anti-bacterial Dawn, and a little bit of bleach to clean the spot. I keep a big supply of paper towels and never cross cages with the same towel. I'll spray the solution on the towel, then wipe. I leave the tub open for about a minute, then all is well. I don't remove the snake for this type of activity but try to keep them away from the spot while I'm cleaning it.

2. How often should I remove all items and thouroughly clean the tank?
- I guess I'm pairing this one with part of your first question. I do entire cage cleanings at least once a month. That includes removing the snake, tossing all of the substrate out, using Roccal to thoroughly clean the cage, rinsing the cage, and bleaching the water dish holders (I use ceramic dishes from Ethical Pet Products). I let the tub dry well for about 5 minutes (after wiping it out with towels), then put new substrate in, then replace the snake.

3. How often should I dump out standing water in the water bowl? In addition, how often should I thouroughly clean it and refill with fresh water?
- I learned a good trick years ago about water bowls. Instead of having to wash, rinse, and clean water bowls, I use the 8oz deli cups available at most food supply stores (or I believe Superior carries them online). I use the 5" Ethical Pet Products bowls available at a lot of pet stores or online. The 80z deli cups fit nicely inside. Once a week, I will toss ALL of the deli cups, put new ones in, then refill. Only costs about $7/week to do 100 water dishes. Seems easier than washing 100 of them plus I don't have to worry about leaving detergent or bleach on them which could cause problems.

Again, this may not be the most efficient thing for somebody that has a few animals, but once you get into breeding and are housing a ton of animals, efficiency counts and I've found this to work pretty darn well.

Hope this helps out and happy herping,
Jason @ Jason's Jungle
www.jasons-jungle.com