On using bleach....
Actually bleach is a very valuable tool around aquariums. Obviously, you never add it to a set up tank directly, but it's got a lot of advantages.
The reasons are that it will kill most all bacteria and other infectious stuff on contact, even viruses, and that it will oxidise most other unwanted organic materials (read fish wastes and algae). One it does it's job it's easily removed by either another chemical, or by flushing the item with water.
I've used bleach to clean aquarium items that could be removed from the system, such as mechanical filter cartridges, syphon tubes, and non-living decorations. It's very simple and easy to add some bleach to a bucket of water, soak the items overnight, then change the water this time using fresh water only and soak again. I'd usually soak things an additional time to be sure.
I have also used bleach on the entire system, when I had to tear a tank down dure to disease, and I didn't want any reinfections. A similar process was used. Obviously there is no livestock in the system.
|