My betta died and i don't know if i should throw the tank away.
2006-12-15 14:26:15 · 9 answers · asked by A 5 in Pets ➔ Fish
Yes, you can sanitize a tank, but do not use any disinfectants other than bleach, the residue from other chemicals is almost impossible to get out. Bleach can be neutralized with any good water conditioner that removes chlorine and chloramine. Use one cup of bleach for each 10 gallons of water in the tank. Yes, it will smell, but that dosage is necessary.
Remove any carbon, floss or cartridges from the filter and discard them. Leave the filter running and also leave the heater in the tank. Stir the gravel or sand good after the bleach has been added and let it set for at least 24 hours with the bleach in it. The bleach will kill any bacteria and/or parasites left in the tank.
Empty the tank and fill it completely with fresh water adding a double dose of Dechlor (bleach is chlorine) as you refill it. Do this two more times and your tank should be good to go. If you have any doubts, let it run for another 24 hours. Any traces of the bleach will evaporate out of the water within that time.
I use this procedure on my hospital/isolation tank when new fish prove to carry diseases or parasites. New fish should always be isolated for at least two weeks before putting them into your existing tank.
Remember, you will be starting from scratch on the cycling of the tank now. Do your regular (weekly) partial (25-30%) water changes and your will have healthy and happy fish.
2006-12-15 14:52:01 · answer #1 · answered by 8 In the corner 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Although that would be the surest way to prevent a further infection in another fish, not everyone has the luxury of doing so. The best thing you can do is scrub it out VERY thoroughly with hot water. Then rinse it completely. If you use bleach at all (which should be diluted with water), make CERTAIN to rinse all of it out to the fullest after soaking the tank. Bleach will kill betta-- obviously-- so be extremely careful. If it's a filtered tank, replace the filter. Let it sit out in the sun for some days to help with getting rid of the bleach and dry. (Of course, also make sure to cycle the tank before reusing it.) All decorations and gravel that were in there should, however, are best discarded. Soak them in the same bleach mixture if you'd like, but I've found that it's a safer bet with the more lethal diseases to just get rid of them.
2006-12-15 14:40:19 · answer #2 · answered by memetan the conqueror 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
you need to do yet another Betta and a Cory, they prefer the bottom yet will swim around the tank in the adventure that they favor to stretch. also how do you sense about tiger barbs? think about a pair of them. I loved the crab idea I somewhat have in no way had any myself yet they sound neat. The smallest tank I somewhat have on the instantaneous (except those I hatch eggs in) is a sixty 5 gallon hexagon and we've a Betta, a pair silver funds, Corys, an albino shark and some tiger barbs. perhaps a Betta and a tiger barb? i don't have a 5.5 gal the following in the front of me. even by reckoning on the image i do not comprehend what percentage fish ought to somewhat go in there. yet in case you want yet another Betta, tiger barbs are an excellent adventure, mine go away one yet another on my own purely positive and then a Cory would help keep it sparkling. some human beings ought to point a chinese algae eater or something as a significantly better bottom feeder yet they could be able to somewhat get enormously massive. wish this gave you some good options, good luck and sorry to hearken to about Zeus.
2016-11-26 22:00:48 · answer #3 · answered by Erika 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just want to second 8 in the Corner's answer. This is the ONLY way to rid the tank of tuberculosis.
2006-12-16 05:33:55 · answer #4 · answered by birdistasty 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely.
Make a mix of White Vinegar and water and use a non-abrasive cloth or sponge that won't scratch the tank. Scrub it out and when finished rinse it out thoroughly. Don't EVER use anything like lysol or any other toxic cleaners as it can leave residue and kill the fish. Good luck!!!!!!
2006-12-15 14:34:39 · answer #5 · answered by Brian C 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
No don't throw the tank away just do some major cleaning, take all the water, gravel, plants, and ornaments out of it, and wash everything down with non chemical water and a brush or something, just scrub hard with hot water to make sure all the sick bacteria and stuff are dead.
2006-12-15 14:34:09 · answer #6 · answered by Flames Fan 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋
You can absolutely reuse the tank.
Simply empty it out and wash it down with a mixture of vinegar and water, then rinse thoroughly and let completely dry.
Do not use soap and water, or windex.
2006-12-15 17:04:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't throw it away soak everything in plain warm water for a hour and then scrub for 15 min. then everything should be gone from it.
2006-12-16 01:02:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Don't throw your tank away! wash it with disinfectants and keep it dry for sometime before using it again.
2006-12-15 14:34:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋