Red wag platy

Hey guys. I am thinking of putting one of those plastic tubes from an old hamster cage in my betta tank, but I was wondering what would be the best way to clean it.

Steve113

Bleach solution will kill any unwanted bacteria to avoid transfer from your hamster
Just rinse it very well after.

Just make sure it's made from plastics that will be aquarium safe: Ie wont leach chemicals into the water from the plastic or glues etc..

Lucy

After you bleach them, soak them in water that's OD'd with dechorinator, if you smell bleach keep rinsing.

sirdarksol

Be careful when adding bleach. If your hamster used the tube as a bathroom at all (if there are yellow stains on it) there can be ammonia, which will create chlorine when mixed with bleach (yes, I found this out the hard way).

Red wag platy

Then what do you suggest, sirdarksol? Did it produce dangerous fumes? What happened?

Lucy

Wow, Thanks sir, I didn't realize even if it was old dried ammonia it would cause a reaction. Nice catch.

sirdarksol

Just do it outside, and you should be good. It doesn't produce anywhere near the amount as if you mixed bleach with liquid ammonia. I just happened to be cleaning it in my basement, which is why I had problems.

Red wag platy

So do I just let it sit in the over dosed container, lucy?

Lucy

Yes, a few good rinsings should be good, just make sure you can no longer smell bleach.
It probably wouldn't hurt to put a little extra in the tank too, I'm just paranoid that way.

Steve113

As I said - Bleach and rinse.
If in doubt, keep rinsing.

I may not have the stars but please don't let that discredit my advice.