Avoiding cross contamination

[Mindblock769]

I have my DT and 2 QT tanks, one for coral and one for fish.

I have 2 20gal tubs. One always for fresh salt and other for waste only. Dedicated pump for fresh salt, but I only have one pump dedicated removing water from the tanks. Do I need a WC pump dedicated to each tank?

Do you ever wash lines/pumps/anything with tap water?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I have my DT and 2 QT tanks, one for coral and one for fish.

I have 2 20gal tubs. One always for fresh salt and other for waste only. Dedicated pump for fresh salt, but I only have one pump dedicated removing water from the tanks. Do I need a WC pump dedicated to each tank?

Do you ever wash lines/pumps/anything with tap water?

I do try to have dedicated tank tools for each quarantine tank or DT. However, that gets expensive if you also get dedicated transfer pumps!

Washing with tap water helps, but may not totally eliminate that as a vector, especially if it has been used in a system with an active disease. Tap water rinse and then air dry is better, sterilizing with a 500 ppm bleach solution is even better (but needs to be rinsed out REALLY well).

Here is my recent article on biosecurity:

https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/biosecurity.812/

Jay

 

[KCPhil]

I do try to have dedicated tank tools for each quarantine tank or DT. However, that gets expensive if you also get dedicated transfer pumps!

Washing with tap water helps, but may not totally eliminate that as a vector, especially if it has been used in a system with an active disease. Tap water rinse and then air dry is better, sterilizing with a 500 ppm bleach solution is even better (but needs to be rinsed out REALLY well).

Here is my recent article on biosecurity:

https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/biosecurity.812/

Jay

Hi Jay,

I read the article you linked. I am familiar with most of the concepts/methods you mentioned.

I have a DT and a fish QT and a coral QT. Is washing my hands with soap and water enough to keep from cross contaminating? Like when I feed. I worry that I might be transporting disease or pathogens between tanks. Or when I do maintenance on multiple tanks in one day.

TIA

Phil

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Hi Jay,

I read the article you linked. I am familiar with most of the concepts/methods you mentioned.

I have a DT and a fish QT and a coral QT. Is washing my hands with soap and water enough to keep from cross contaminating? Like when I feed. I worry that I might be transporting disease or pathogens between tanks. Or when I do maintenance on multiple tanks in one day.

TIA

Phil

Good question! I actually avoid soap and water prior to working on tanks, I’m always worried about soap residue. Some people wear gloves and change them between tanks. I rinse my hands in hot tap water and call it good….
Jay

 

[KCPhil]

Good question! I actually avoid soap and water prior to working on tanks, I’m always worried about soap residue. Some people wear gloves and change them between tanks. I rinse my hands in hot tap water and call it good….
Jay

Thanks for the feedback.