Critter tank previously used for rats. Is that smell there to stay? Corn's reaction?

[Callow Methuselah]

I purchased a used 10 gallon w/ lid and didn't even realize until much later that it had been used for rats or mice. I bleached it, washed it, bleached it, washed it, cleaned it w/ zoo med cleaner, washed it, filled it w/ aspen shavings, and let it sit for 2 days now. But every time I lean over the tank and take a whiff, I get some of the mouse smell. If I can smell this, how is the poor corn going to react? It was supposed to be the tank that I put the corns in while I cleaned their bigger tanks. Is there anything I can do? Will the corns go crazy looking for the mouse? Should I just buy another tank? Thanks!

 

[carnivorouszoo]

Bleach is good for killing germs but not so much for smells. Scrub it down with vinegar. That should get rid of the rodent smell and the vinegar odor should disapate with in a couple of days. As to if the smell of rodents will bother the snake, I don't think so. I had gerbils in my 29 until I realized they were not going to breed for me and gave it to my biggest snake. I just wiped it out with a cloth wet with vinegar water let it dry then moved in the snake. No troubles at all.

 

[JohnnyK]

Agree about vinegar, safe and does a great job on most smells.

My only remark is sometimes people buy stuff used that to me, for the price of the item in question, why not just buy new to begin with?

A new 10 gal. tank is like $10-$12 and would have required only one quick cleaning - vs. what you paid and all your time spent with repeated cleanings and now a lingering smell.

Best of luck getting rid of the smell.