| Bleach is one of the safest and most effective | | | | solution you have just created. I like to do this in my |
| methods for sanitizing an aquarium before the initial | | | | bathtub to contain the overspray. Sanitizing outdoors |
| set-up. Many aquarium hobbyists are afraid to use | | | | is also a good option. |
| bleach because they are fearful of its potency. | | | | 3. After spraying all the surfaces, let the aquarium sit |
| Bleach, however, is perfectly safe if used correctly. | | | | for 10-15 minutes. Bleach is a corrosive chemical and |
| We use bleach for sanitization because it is one of | | | | can cause damage to your aquarium if left too long. |
| the most effective chemicals we have for | | | | Do not allow it to sit for longer than 15 minutes. |
| disinfecting. It is commonly used in U.S. hospitals and | | | | 4. Rinse thoroughly. When you are done rinsing your |
| is recommended by the Center for Disease Control. | | | | tank, rinse again for good measure. |
| Bleach, or Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), is also safe | | | | 5. Allow the aquarium to air dry completely. This will |
| for the environment. It breaks down very quickly, | | | | help to insure that the bleach solution has broken |
| leaving mostly salt and water behind. Because it is a | | | | down into harmless byproducts. |
| strong disinfectant that breaks down into harmless | | | | 6. Once you set up your aquarium, fill the tank with |
| byproducts rapidly, it can be used to sanitize baby | | | | water and dose with a good aquarium water |
| and pet toys, aquariums and is even used to sanitize | | | | dechlorinator. |
| our water supply. | | | | Aquarium gravel, decorations, filters, and heaters can |
| When buying bleach to clean an aquarium only use | | | | also be bleached using the same concentration of |
| regular bleach like Chlorox Regular Bleach or an | | | | water to bleach. You can either spray them or soak |
| equivalent. Do not use bleach mixed with detergent. | | | | them in a bowl depending on what you are cleaning. |
| Detergents leave dangerous residue that can be fatal | | | | Be sure to rinse all bleached items very well and allow |
| to aquarium fish. | | | | everything to air dry completely before them putting |
| Using typical household bleach (which is already 5% | | | | back in the aquarium. Note that metal rusts quickly |
| bleach typically), mix 9 parts water with 1 part regular | | | | when exposed to bleach. As mentioned earlier, never |
| bottled bleach in a container. I like to store it short | | | | allow bleach to sit on the item for more than 10 - 15 |
| term in a spray bottle purchased at my local | | | | minutes, keeping an especially close eye on metal |
| hardware store. Note that bleach does break down | | | | items. |
| fairly quickly so only make small quantities at a time. | | | | IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: |
| Never store bleach in a bottle previously used with | | | | Bleach can be very dangerous if inhaled or ingested. |
| other chemicals. | | | | It can cause moderate to severe damage if it comes |
| Here are six simple steps to disinfecting your | | | | in contact with the eyes or skin. It can also cause |
| aquarium with bleach. | | | | discoloration or corrosion of some materials. Please |
| 1. Wipe any debris from the aquarium with warm | | | | review the safety information on the bleach bottle |
| water and a paper towel. | | | | before handling. |
| 2. Spray all surfaces of the aquarium with the 10% | | | | |