What methods do you use to maintain the cleanliness of your aquarium tools?

[Olefreebe]

Maintaining cleanliness in our hobby involves a comprehensive approach to caring for our tools. From tongs to feeding bowls, each piece plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of our pets. Therefore, establishing a thorough cleaning routine is essential.
Let's delve into the specifics. Tongs, for instance, are not just tools for handling food but also instrumental in maintaining a hygienic environment within the enclosure. Cleaning them regularly, ensuring no food residue remains, is imperative for preventing bacterial growth. Similarly, testing vials, used for monitoring water parameters, demand meticulous cleaning to ensure accurate readings and prevent contamination.
Brushes and scrapers are indispensable for maintaining substrate cleanliness and removing debris from surfaces. Regularly sanitizing these tools not only prolongs their lifespan but also prevents the spread of harmful pathogens. Feeding bowls, often overlooked, should be cleaned after every use to prevent mold or bacterial growth, which could jeopardize the health of our pets.
In essence, a conscientious approach to cleaning our tools not only safeguards the health of our pets but also enhances the overall experience of the hobby.

 

[Joe31415]

I just rinse everything with tap water. If it's metal, I'll dry it, if it's something that I don't want water spots on (ie Hanna test vials) I'll rinse it with RODI, but that's about it.

I feel like you're overthinking this. What pathogens are you worried about harboring on an algae scraper that's going to be bone dry for days or weeks in between uses? Granted, you probably don't want to leave chunks of food in wedged into the hinge on your tongs just like you wouldn't want to clean a skimmer and toss the brush in a cabinet without cleaning it, but as long as you rinse everything off and allow it to fully dry, I don't expect you're going to run into a lot of problems.

Don't get me wrong, maintenance is a big part of the hobby, but I don't think you have to worry about sanitizing everything.

Your post reads more like facts than questions. Are you asking if these are things that should be done or telling us that these are things that must be done? I only ask because if this post is meant to teach, some cites would be helpful.

 

[randomfishdude]

This says alot

 

[Reefer Matt]

I rinse with tap water, pat dry, then store in a container with desiccant.

 

[Doctorgori]

Your post reads more like facts than questions. Are you asking if these are things that should be done or telling us that these are things that must be done? I only ask because if this post is meant to teach, some cites would be helpful.

Thinking the same
Subscribed

 

[Olefreebe]

Your post reads more like facts than questions. Are you asking if these are things that should be done or telling us that these are things that must be done? I only ask because if this post is meant to teach, some cites would be helpful.

These are mainly facts and opinions that I read while looking over some of my older tools and equipment. Just wanted some other people's opinions. I didn't think many would go to the extremes that are mentioned. I myself use elbow grease, dishwasher, and procrastination...

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I will usually wash my stuff off, pat dry it and keep it in a dry area away from the tank that way it doesn't rust

 

[kenchilada]

If you have something metal with a joint like scissors, clean it and then rinse with isopropyl alcohol. The alcohol displaces the water and evaporates quickly.

Coat lightly with a reef safe oil to prevent rust. Not crazy enough for you yet? Store in a sealed container with desiccant.

 

[Troylee]

Never cleaned any tools and only rinse test vials in the sink with tap water… it’s not all that serious lol..

 

[Joe31415]

This says alot

I'd argue it says nothing.
What is it?

 

[exnisstech]

I just rinse everything with tap water. If it's metal, I'll dry it, if it's something that I don't want water spots on (ie Hanna test vials) I'll rinse it with RODI, but that's about it.

^This for me ^

I'd argue it says nothing.
What is it?

It's a set of feeding tongs meant for reptiles that rust when used in salt water and not rinsed and dried after each use. They look just like mine

 

[Extremeengineer]

I don't have much to rinse. I have a tiny plastic cup I thaw frozen cubes in to feed. With current livestock I use and then clean that about every 2 days, just use the RO tap at the sink and rinse a few times. Same with test vials, rinse in RO twice, and shake dry.