Alternate Disnfectant to Bleach...?

[flybyferns]

Hi Lisa,

This is a great question and topic for discussion.

I understand how the chlorhexidine works ( being in the medical field for 35 years).
I have not recently been aware of the form in which it is currently available for this use = cleaning the frog enclosures. I thought is was something that had to be mixed? Not sure
I'm replying to this, your post, w/ out any recent research on it use for this purpose.

Chlorhexidine is a commonly used ingredient in frequently used 'human' products. ie mouthwash and cosmetics.

I'm not equating this with this being safe for frogs. However, I will assume Mr Edmonds knows what he is talking about.

My first thought is does it have the same affect on the other bugs ( viral ones ) such as those that cause nasties for our frogs? I do recall it has no affect on many 'human' viruses.

Simply put-when the chlorhexidine comes in contact with a bacterial cell wall, or example, it disrupts the cell growth resulting in 'cell death' and is use in specific concentrations for a specific bacteria etc.

My 2 cents:
When I clean (disinfect) an enclosure, I fill the entire tank with a 1:10 ( household) bleach solution/let it sit/repeat the fill /add de-chlorinator/ fill again to RINSE RINSE RINSE. There is nothing than can survive this ! For the larger tanks --- I carry them out to the driveway. It could be done in the shower or bathtub?

Of course this process should never be used for any decor that is porous. ie such as wood

Some day, I will have to disinfect 2- 36" H exos ( currently housing Agalychnis species). I don't know how I'll do that!

I know I'll call Michael Novy- first. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rainf...ation=timeline I would recommend (you might) do the same.

He is an expert ! Pick is brain.There's a ton of really great information in there

Lynn