best way to sanitize new (large) terrarium?

[shatrar]

Our new exo terra tank just arrived today. What is the best way to clean and sanitize it, since I don't think we can lay it on it's side to rinse out. It's 24x18x36" tall. Should we wipe it with a bleach solution and then with clean towels several times, or does it need to be bleached at all?

Thanks, Michelle

[NickHendrix007]

For what I've read, do a 10:1 of water:bleach if you want to make sure you kill everything. But you MUST rinse and rinse and rinse and then rinse. Bleach can stay in the nooks and crannies of the lid, corners, etc pretty easily. Use a different towel every time you wipe it out too. I've also heard of people using vinegar. My mom's always used vinegar to clean kitchen counters and whatnot. It's safe to use, but, again, I'd still rinse and wipe it down pretty good afterwards.

[MatthewM1]

I use diluted vinegar to clean my tanks, just be sure to let them soak in the solution for about a half hour before rinsing very thoroughly untill you can no longer smell vinegar

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[fish4all]

My only thought would be to use a steam type cleaner like they use on windows and such. Only concern would be it might cause the silicone to come loose but that is a guess.

[shatrar]

I can't fill it up to let anything soak in it. That's why I was thinking maybe just wiping it with a bleach solution. Anyone with experience with the front opening exo terra chime in? Thanks.

[deranged chipmunk]

I use vinegar and water on all my tanks, regardless of what i am putting in it.

[J Teezy]

Wipe Out

[deranged chipmunk]

I never use a "ratio". I just pour vinegar in and some water. If the tank is in bad shape though with water marks, I have used CLR, lemon juice and bleach to clean them out. The main thing is to rinse well, no matter what you are cleaning with. Glass is not porous, so it won't absorb the chemicals, you just need to make sure there is no residual. Now, this is for a bare bones, empty tank. If it is a running tank, that's a whole different ball game.

[LadyShayla]

What do you mean by "running Tank?" like one that's been inhabited already or one that has things like fountains and live plants?

[deranged chipmunk]

Both actually. Although, I have bleached a tank that was fully functioning with plants. I removed the frogs for a couple days. Had to eradicate some mold. Bleach is not the scary chemical that most people think it is. It's easily diluted and controllable.