Chlorhexidine v.s. bleach

[steve905]

I've got a rack with about 36 tubs in it and I'm building another with about 75 for juvies. I was wondering if there is a cleaning difference between these products. Or is it just the odor of the bleach? I'm trying to figure out how to speed up my cleaning process (since I wait till the bleach smell is gone) after I rinse out the tubs to put my leos back in.

 

[robin]

chlorhexidine, it will speed it up quite well

 

[JordanAng420]

Okay i'm bored.

Chlorhexidine- Advantages- non toxic, no harsh odors even if some residue is left, can be used topically on wounds or as a mouth wash for mouth rot, and is effective against Staphylococci and many gram-negative organisms.

Chlorhexidine- Disadvantages- moderate cost, long contact time, poor efficiency against most viruses,not effective against Cryptosporidia, Giardia, coccidia, mycobacteria, bacteria spores, gram-positive bacteria including Pseudomonas, not very effective in the presence of organic debris, and hard water makes it less effective.

Bleach- Advantages- low cost, easily available, will kill most bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, and mycoplasmas, and is a potent deoderizer.

Bleach- Disadvantages- very caustic to tissues and equipment, not effective against Giardia, rapidly inactivates in the presence of organic debris, loses its effectiveness quickly when diluted, prolonged contact may be required for heavy sterilization, must be used in a well-ventilated area, not effective against spores, corrosive to metals, deteriorates fabrics, and must be rinsed off well.

 

[steve905]

Thanks

 

[Gregg M]

So basically it is pointless to use either one... Hot water and dish soap does wonders...

 

[Enigmatic_Reptiles]

So basically it is pointless to use either one... Hot water and dish soap does wonders...

I agree, there is no need for so many chemicals when cleaning their tubs.

 

[Ga_herps]

when it comes to cleaning our tubs we fill up the guest bathroom with super hot water mixed with soap. Let the tubs soak for 10 to 20 minutes and let the scrub fest begin.

 

[steve905]

Thanks fo the input...Will soap kill crypto or some of the other nasties out there I can't spell? Thats what I'm looking for. I wipe down the tanks weekly but want to do a "thorough" cleaning every 2-3 months.

 

[Gregg M]

Thanks fo the input...Will soap kill crypto or some of the other nasties out there I can't spell? Thats what I'm looking for. I wipe down the tanks weekly but want to do a "thorough" cleaning every 2-3 months.

There are not many chemicals available that are suitable for cleaning your reptile bins that can kill cryptosporidium... Why are you worried about killing crypto anyway??? Do you have an infected animal???

Cleaning your bins with hot soapy water and letting them dry will kill just about all types of "nasties"...

 

[robin]

There are not many chemicals available that are suitable for cleaning your reptile bins that can kill cryptosporidium... Why are you worried about killing crypto anyway??? Do you have an infected animal???

Cleaning your bins with hot soapy water and letting them dry will kill just about all types of "nasties"...

not crypto, cocidia, equine influenza, amoeba and several other really nasties. now while i think hot soap and water works fine. i do think from time to time something like chlorhexidine is good to use.

in geckos some of these things are not so common but as you know gregg, there are some very very very nasty things out there that soap and water just will not kill and can possibly wipe out collections.

 

[steve905]

I'm just trying to minimize possible issues. As my collection grows I want to keep the vet bills down. I'd rather spend $10.00 on a proper cleaning solution than $150.00 at the vet for something stupid I could of controlled. I did lose 2 leos earlier (last yr) I got them in a trade and came with issues anyways. They were a male diablo blanco and a eclipe super snow female. The guy didn't have them on heat for months and kept them in the basement. I spent $200+ trying to get them to turn around and it never happened. I feed my group every other to 2 days and I do leave some crickets in the tank with a small bit of wheat bran as food. I'm just trying to minimize health issues.

 

[Gregg M]

not crypto, cocidia, amoeba and several other really nasties. now while i think hot soap and water works fine. i do think from time to time something like chlorhexidine is good to use.

Actually Robin, crypto, cocidias, and amoebas are susceptible to drying and UV exposure... In fact that is the best way to kill them...

Hot water, soap, and allowing to dry...

 

[steve905]

So Gregg if I read you right your saying soap and water then in the sun. If so that works in the summer here(CHicago) but winter and a foot plus snow is kind of a drag. How long in the light then?