Multi-Tank Tool Saftey

josephxsxn · Oct 18, 2020

While I have been undergoing my fallow period and QTing all my current fish I was wondering about general cross tank tool Saftey. While I imagine that having dedicated tools (gravel vac, scrapper, etc) may be best to prevent the spread of illness this isn't always possible due to costs. My Appogee PAR meter for example is a tool which will have to go from reef tank to reef tank..

What's the possibility I spread illness from one tank to another if it exists? Is there a proper way to disinfect tools like this? Does drying the tools kill all ich and velvet?

Jay Hemdal · Oct 18, 2020

Rinsing in freshwater and air drying for 24 hours is the minimum process that should be followed. One BIG issue are the eggs of Neobenedenia flukes, they withstand drying, even freshwater and mild bleach solutions. To make it worse, they have sticky tendrils that adhere to nets etc. I use a 1:10 bleach solution - but you need to rinse that really well afterwards.

Jay

josephxsxn · Oct 19, 2020

Thanks @Jay Hemdal ,

I am not a huge fan of using bleach and use hydrogen peroxide for most of my cleaning. I keep 35% h2o2 concentrate on hand and use it diluted down to clean filter socks and other things.

Do you think a high enough strength of h2o2 would be acceptable in place of bleach? Or would you recommend I stick to bleach?

Jay Hemdal · Oct 19, 2020

josephxsxn said:
Thanks @Jay Hemdal ,

I am not a huge fan of using bleach and use hydrogen peroxide for most of my cleaning. I keep 35% h2o2 concentrate on hand and use it diluted down to clean filter socks and other things.

Do you think a high enough strength of h2o2 would be acceptable in place of bleach? Or would you recommend I stick to bleach?

I use peroxide on filter socks and a few other items. I prefer it as it is less corrosive and easier to rinse off. Trouble is, I don't have a good dose for you to use peroxide on items that will go from tank to tank.

I also use 7%, as handling the 35% material makes me nervous. There is also a rumor that the 35% peroxide (and even some 7%) uses stannous stabilizers (tin). The product I use is from Culligan and is rated for potable water systems.

Jay