Cleaning Crypto from a Tank

[ValH]

I had a leopard gecko die from what I am fairly sure was crypto. I would like to get another gecko some time in the future. How can I clean the tank and the items in it to make sure that any future gecko does not get the disease from the tank.

I have seen some comments about using bleach, but other comments that it might not kill crypto. If time is a sure fire killer for the disease I can wait to get another gecko.

[I am willing to just throw things out if need be, but would rather reuse].

 

[im faster]

bleach and water...
clean it with soap and water a few times after.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

The only 100% sure way to kill cryptosporidium on surfaces is 10% ammonia, which is household ammonia straight out of the bottle. Be sure to have plenty of ventilation.

 

[Retribution Reptiles]

Bleach won't do anything. Ammonia is the only sure fire way to kill crypto. But how are you so sure it was crypto. Could have been a gereralized infection or any # of other contributing factors

 

[ValH]

Bleach won't do anything. Ammonia is the only sure fire way to kill crypto. But how are you so sure it was crypto. Could have been a gereralized infection or any # of other contributing factors

My vet suspected that was the problem. The gecko lost all her weight and her desire to eat, had oddly smelling poo, had a darkening spot on her belly, and was bought at a pet store chain that I know has sold geckos with crypto in the past.

So, there is a possibility it was not crypto, but I would rather be cautious.

 

[robin]

if it was me. i would better be safe than sorry and throw everything out

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

I agree with Robin. If you suspect it was crypto, get rid of the stuff and start over. They symptoms you described are the same symptoms of a bacterial infections, coccicia, and amoebae infections, so without a confirmed diagnosis of crypto you will never know. Don't take any chances.

 

[ValH]

In that case I will move over to a spare tank I have and toss the decorations. I figure if I clean the tank itself with ammonia in it just sits in my garage for a few years it should be fine if I want another gecko in the future.

 

[fl_orchidslave]

I'd toss everything too. That way there's no chance or reinfecting. Not even a little.

 

[Adinar]

I agree with Robin. I dealt with crypto before in the past and hopefully won't have to again. I would rather trash the tank and other items than pay the vet bills for 4 animals like we did. It's a small price to pay imo plus it will give you a piece of mind. You will at least be sure that there will be no cross contamination from reused decorations/tank.

 

[ValH]

Thank you all. I have gotten rid of the tank and everything. If nothing else the cost of basically replacing everything is comparable to the $100 vet visit bill I would have if there was a problem with my new gecko as a result.

Switching to a new tank and new decorations is well worth not having to add to the risk of having another gecko fall ill.

 

[tlbowling]

Im just curious...if the tank is glass, how would it be able to harbor any disease? Glass is not porous? I would have cleaned it multiple times with bleach, then ammonia, and then cleaned it over again. I wouldnt have thrown out my tank. I would however dispose of all decor.

 

[ValH]

Im just curious...if the tank is glass, how would it be able to harbor any disease? Glass is not porous? I would have cleaned it multiple times with bleach, then ammonia, and then cleaned it over again. I wouldnt have thrown out my tank. I would however dispose of all decor.

The tank is in my garage now (I have not bothered to sanitize it yet, but will do so eventually). I had a spare tank from a previous animal and decided to use that for now. I would not expect the tank to be a problem as it is glass, my only concern are the edges to the tank where there is the material that holds the two pieces together.