Tank sterilisation

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I currently have a wild caught female smooth newt in my 2ft tank but I'm trying to find somewhere to release her ASAP because as beautiful as she is I don't think it's fair on her. I discovered today as well, Jake has been occasionally nipping at Hoshi. I bought them together but didn't think it would be an issue. Seems I was wrong :( Probably the reason poor little Hoshi is struggling to put on weight so I want to move him into the 2fter to fatten him up before I put him back in with the other 2. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can safely sterilise the tank to move him in ASAP?
 
It's not advised to release animals that have been in captivity. You could accidentally introduce a disease into a wild population.

Otherwise, a 10% bleach solution is fine for sterilization.
 
Hmm does that mean I'm kind of stuck with her? I guess if it does then the hamster is moving out of the viv and she is moving in. She is in the axies water (didn't think at the time) so could well have spread something :( Will have to go on a care sheet hunt now and get some eco earth!
After using the 10% bleach solution do I need to leave it for a day or 2 to dissipate or can I just top it up with water and put Hoshi in? Obviously after it's beyond being well rinsed :D
 
You should rinse the aquarium thoroughly, then rinse it some more. Then rinse it again, and one more time just to be sure. Then let it dry completely for a day or so. Bleach is pretty nasty to your axolotls.
 
Okie dokes thanks :) I thought so just wanted to double check. Like with sand, once you think you've rinsed it enough, rinse a few times more? :p What about Miltons sterilising fluid instead of bleach, would that be a slightly safer option?
 
I googled it, but couldn't find an ingredient description.

I would guess because of its formulation, it would be fine as long as you rinsed well.
 
Ah Ok you might not have it in the US it's a baby sterilising fluid :)
 
It's not advised to release animals that have been in captivity. You could accidentally introduce a disease into a wild population.

Otherwise, a 10% bleach solution is fine for sterilization.
I think you meant a 1:10 solution, right Kaysie? Commercial bleach like Clorox is 6% sodium hypochlorite. Instead of using 1 part bleach and 9 parts water (1:10), using 1 part bleach to 10 parts water gives ~ a 0.55% active ingredient, and the recommended strength for sterilization. In addition to rinsing many times, its also good to use a dechlorinating product to remove residual chlorine.
 
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Thank you for that clarification, Jan. I meant 10% as in 1:10 (90% water, 10% 'out of the bottle' bleach), but it's important to note that the solution does not contain 10% bleach.

I totally second your recommendation to use a dechlorinator.
 
Wouldn't that be classed as trading? Not too sure, should probably read up on it. I've got a viv here though that currently houses the hamster and dad seems to class her as a fish, said he doesn't mind me keeping loads of fish cuz they aren't proper pets... ;) axies are also 'fish' haha can see me having fun...
 
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