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bleech!

Q

QuietRiot

New member
my terrarium now smely of bleech because of me disenfecting all the sticks i put into it...is it ok itf the hid and sticks still smell of bleech?
 
Easy Test: Stick your head in there for 24 hour hours. If you're ok with the smell, then feel free to put a snake in there... :rolleyes:

But seriously-- do not put a snake in a tank that reeks of bleach. There are a million other safer options than bleached sticks for snake decor. Go buy a few nice dowels at a hardware store. Use clean cardboard for hides. Worried about the natural look? Well, how many times have you stumbled across a snake in a glass box in the wild? Do you know why bleach is used as a disinfectant? Because it has a reputation for being good at killing living organisms. Good luck.
 
QuietRiot said:
is there a way to get the smell out?
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Out of the tank? Yes. Throw the sticks away, and rinse the tank a bunch of times. Bleach is ok as a disinfectant at VERY low concentrations, like 1 part bleach to 20 parts water (5%). Even then, thorough rinsing is necessary. For tank decor, I'd go with the baking method. But I know nothing about that. My snakes live in artifical conditions, and they are thriving in no-frills environments.

The decorative look is for you; the snake doesn't care. Bent cardboard and food-boxes will be comfortable hides. Throw in a water bowl, and an inch of aspen in the bottom, and you're good to go. :)
 
rinsing rinsing and more rinsing but to be honest listen to Roy there are alot better options so you don't have to bleach.

I have some wood hides but i have not used them because i know they need to be bleached to get the bacteria and critters off and i am scared to use bleach.

If you have already but them in then take the snake out now and put it in a new home why you rinse everything till you can't smell a drop of bleach.
 
Whats ur opinion on dish detergent, like Palmolive, or something like that, would that work as well? Or do you need to use something stronger
 
Not too sure to be honest mate i have only had my snake 2 weeks and at the moment i have just been cleaning his pooh and i when i do a full clean i gonna see what's best to use to wash his home as i hate bleach.
 
Old World said:
Whats ur opinion on dish detergent, like Palmolive, or something like that, would that work as well? Or do you need to use something stronger
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I would think something strong than dish detergent. You need something that is going to kill the germs.
Of course nothing is more important than rinsing. If you think you did it enough, Do it two more times.
 
ssssnake_lover said:
Not too sure to be honest mate i have only had my snake 2 weeks and at the moment i have just been cleaning his pooh and i when i do a full clean i gonna see what's best to use to wash his home as i hate bleach.
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There is nothing wrong with bleach as long as you dilute it. 10 parts water to 1 part bleach. Of course if you just do not like bleach than that is something else. I personally do not like to use bleach.
 
sorry for the double post but my mom says that if i just leave the hide ands sticks out for a week the bleach smell will be gone...i was thinking i should just bake em after that and bam...they r good as new?
 
Your mom is right...the bleach smell will fade away after a short while. Usually, once everything is dried through and through, any residual odor is gone as well. That said, go try the baking...at the least it'll dry it all out faster.
 
QuietRiot said:
ive spent about 1/2 houurs washing the sticks and hide that were bleached...is that good enough do u think?....
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does it smell like bleach? if it does then no.

If you want an honest opinion, dont put sticks in the tank, your corn won't notice or care that they are gone. :)
 
jzal8 said:
does it smell like bleach? if it does then no.

If you want an honest opinion, dont put sticks in the tank, your corn won't notice or care that they are gone. :)
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I'd have to agree, because you'll have the same problem when you clean the poop off them too! I've got fake silk plants that wash easily and can just be replaced when they look tatty.
 
BOO! said:
Your mom is right...the bleach smell will fade away after a short while. Usually, once everything is dried through and through, any residual odor is gone as well. That said, go try the baking...at the least it'll dry it all out faster.
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and when there is no odor will it be ok?
 
I would say so. I use bleach to clean some of my aquarium equipment, and I've never had a problem with it. The aquatic environment is extremely sensitive to chlorine, but used properly it's fine.
If you have rinsed thoroughly, they've been aloud to dry through and through, and there's no scent left, I'm sure it's okay. If you have any doubts, don't use them.
I think I've seen a post on here somewhere regarding a disinfectant that is safe for snakes...might want to search that out.
 
BOO! said:
I would say so. I use bleach to clean some of my aquarium equipment, and I've never had a problem with it. The aquatic environment is extremely sensitive to chlorine, but used properly it's fine.
If you have rinsed thoroughly, they've been aloud to dry through and through, and there's no scent left, I'm sure it's okay. If you have any doubts, don't use them.
I think I've seen a post on here somewhere regarding a disinfectant that is safe for snakes...might want to search that out.
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search forums for chlorohexidine or disinfect. think its also known as novalsan(?) if you want to pay top dollar. can be bought online from vet/pet supply stores. smell reminds me of windex for some reason.
 
I've always used baby sterilising fluid to clean my tanks diluted as per instructions on the bottle and then rinsed and re-rinsed. It was recomended to me by my local reptile shop and I've never had a problem with it.
I kinda figured if it's ok for sterilising baby bottles then surely it's ok for sterilising vivariums and furnishings etc. Also it doesn't stink like bleach does.
Anyone else use this method?
 
Well... After wondering that for a long time with my snakes i figured the cheap option is vinegar and water. Works pretty well as vinegar is acidic.
Or , if you decide to stop being a cheapass go invest in some chlorhexidine solution.
 
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