General Care Discussion :: What Is The Best Way To Sterilize Stock Tank Afte RI?

[Pam]

I want to sterilize my 300 gallon stock tank after my 8 inch res having had respiratory infection. He lived in this tank and my other 3 adult turltes lived in another kids 5 foot kids pool this past summer. Now that the weather is changing I want to set up the stock tank with heater for the other 3 but want to make sure it is thoroughly sterlized so they don't catch the respiratory infection. My male that had it is improving and eating like a pig but he is now dry docked in the house and will not be going back outside this year. I was thinking about using clorox wet ones and then rinsing thoroughly - then using vinegar. What do you think? Thanks for the help!
Pam

[megcornell]

I would disinfect using a very dilute bleach solution and then rinsing well and letting the tank dry overnight. If you use the clorox wipes I'd rinse very well. I'm not sure why you'd want to use the vinegar on top of that. I think the bleach should be fine at killing whatever germ strain caused the RI. You didn't mention it, but I'm assuming you plan on rinsing the vinegar as well right?

[ZombieTurtle]

i would go with the bleach also, and leave the vinegar out. if you do what megcornell said that should be more than enough.

[Bumby's Mom]

You can't use vinegar ontop of bleach. It creates a really nasty gas that I do believe is considered toxic. Just use a 1:9 of bleach and water.

[Pam]

Thank you. I went for the clorox wipes as I had them and rinsed VERY WELL. Then I am also letting stay dry overnight before I fill it tomorrow. I will rinse again before that also. Thanks so much!
Pam

[marisa]

Is it a Rubbermaid stock tank? I disinfected one recently using diluted bleach as well. I also let it sit outside in the sun for a day or two to fully air out.

Are you sure it isn't ammonia that shouldn't be used with bleach? I know that's a no-no. Never heard of vinegar being a problem (though it is unnecessary if you've already used the bleach).

[megcornell]

I googled it. Apparently vinegar improves the germ killing capability of bleach, but that's because it forms chlroine gas which is very toxic... so in short I'd think that would be an awful combo to have in your house.

[industrial_girl_2000]

Bleach works great for me! Always rinse well, whatever you use.

[marisa]

I didn't mean to mix them. From what I read, Pam said she was going to use chlorox wipes, rinse thoroughly and then use vinegar (and rinse, I hope). I've never heard of that being a problem, just unnecessary. I wouldn't get ammonia anywhere near bleach, though.