Sterilising tank/biomedia/plastic parts/silicone tubing after death in QT?

[Muffin87]

If a fish has died in a QT from disease, how do I sterilise everything for future use with "Presumed healthy" fish? I'm talking about sterilising

• biomedia
• plastic bits from the filter and the seneye
• Silicone tubing
• Airstone
• heater

I'm worried about leaving pathogenic bacteria dormant within the QT - is it possible to kill/let die pathogenic bacteria without having to cycle the tank again?

Thanks!

 

[vetteguy53081]

If a fish has died in a QT from disease, how do I sterilise everything for future use with "Presumed healthy" fish?
I'm worried about leaving pathogenic bacteria dormant within the QT - is it possible to kill/let die pathogenic bacteria without having to cycle the tank again?

Typically having no rock or sand redues risk and eliminates steps often associated with display tank. While the concern level would be low, you can sterilize with vinegar and water - same as you would clean equipment, cold water wash and reset your tank

 

[blaxsun]

I soak everything in hot water and vinegar (see @vetteguy53081 beat me to the punch).

 

[Jay Hemdal]

I prefer a mild bleach solution as vinegar is not a strong sterilizing agent. However, finding bleach that doesn’t have surfactants or perfume in it is tough.
Rinsing with tap water and fully air drying works well.
Jay

 

[vetteguy53081]

I prefer a mild bleach solution as vinegar is not a strong sterilizing agent. However, finding bleach that doesn’t have surfactants or perfume in it is tough.
Rinsing with tap water and fully air drying works well.
Jay

Bleach was my go to but suddenly we have surfactants, pine, lemon and now lavender ??

 

[Muffin87]

I prefer a mild bleach solution as vinegar is not a strong sterilizing agent. However, finding bleach that doesn’t have surfactants or perfume in it is tough.
Rinsing with tap water and fully air drying works well.
Jay

What strength solution is mild?

 

[Jay Hemdal]

What strength solution is mild?

200 to 500 ppm. A 1:10 solution will kill everything but it can corrode steel and is tough to wash off.
Jay