Cleaning out the Tank

[Ahmad Rahim]

So i've had my snake for about a month now, and I heard that you should clean out your snakes Tank every month or so, so what should i do, put the snake in another container, take off the adhesive ZooMeds UTH, throw away the aspen? What do i clean the tank with, and how do i clean it, am i supposed to replace the previous Aspen with new Aspen?

Sorry if this thread seems redundant.

 

[knox]

No apologies needed.

When you have an UTH attached, it is best to just clean where it sits. Once the Aspen is removed, you have several options.

First things first, however, I don't replace my Aspen (I use Sani Chips) but about once every 3 to 4 months. I can easily see the poop on the Sani Chips, it clumps easily, and spot cleaning is a breeze.

Back to the subject. The cheapest way to go is a 10% bleach to water solution in a spray bottle. Spray the tank down, let sit for 5 to 10 mins, then wipe down. A quick spray rinse, another wipe, let sit for 30 mins just to be safe (Bleach evaporates very quickly) and you can put in new aspen and your snake.

Others use Vinegar - very good at disinfecting. Still others use store bought reptile enclosure cleaners (I find these over priced).

Generally speaking, though, the tank doesn't have to be sanitized every time the substrate is cleaned. If there is poop stuck on the bottom or sides, just spot sanitize that area.

This has always worked for me.

 

[AliCat37]

I know lots of people will disinfect using a mild bleach solution (spray then scrub) and then a long rinse with HOT water and a really good dry. I use soap and water :duck: I figure if it is good enough for me to eat off it, then it's good enough for the snake to live on it. I don't know what to do with the UTH if it is stuck to the tank I don't stick mine for the reason of cleaning. As far as all else goes sounds like you've got it. You do want to replace the aspen. You could put some old aspen in there to make it smell like home, but I don't think it's needed.