[chibifish]

Hey guys,

So, after a fish passes away, how do you sanitize the tank? I've been reading up the various methods and they seem to include bleach, vinegar, or salt. What would you recommend? I'm a little scared about the bleach (would there be any way to test that I got rid of it all?), but if it works the best I'm sure I can do it properly. I've also read about boiling water, but how would that work with plastic plants, heater, and a glass tank?

I'd clean my tank, filter, heater, thermometer, fake plants, and decor rocks. I have another half a bag of gravel so I wouldn't have to worry about that. How would I clean an airstone? Does it absorb any bacteria?

Now, since it was from some sort of disease, should I just throw away my moss balls?

Also, my tank is a 10 gallon, would that be too much for just one betta and nothing else? I don't want him stressing out.

Thanks guys, you've been such a help throughout my fish-keeping experience. After Chibi passed a couple mornings ago I felt like giving everything up. But this community helps me keep going. I enjoy taking care of bettas and I want to continue it and you guys gave me hope that I still can.

 

[oryin]

I've also read about using diluted bleach but I don't feel comfortable doing that. You could boil things that won't melt and soak plants and such in hot water a few times. Don't give up though! I killed my first betta in 2 days. >.< I didn't know about the whole, left over food ammonia deal and he was in a 1G. Luckily I found this forum and learned a whooole lot about caring for bettas.

 

[toad]

A vinegar and salt scrub in hot water would be good As for your live plants, I think you can just quarantine them for a couple weeks in clean water (someone correct me on this if I'm wrong).

I have one of my males in a 10 gallon, which he moved to after he'd been in a 3g for a couple of months. He's doing great in it. He's been in the 10 for 2 months now, and he's very active and healthy. It mostly depends on the fish - I've heard of some fish being uncomfortable in larger tanks. Just try it out and see how it goes

 

[Sivan]

10 gallons is perfectly fine for a single betta fish, so long as it does not have special needs. Some have very heavy fins and do not do well in deep tanks and others have extreme anxiety issues; such issues are rare, though. I am going to upgrade to a 10 gallon one day. My boy would love it, especially since he transitions immediately.

 

[chibifish]

Thanks for the replies guys!

A vinegar and salt scrub in hot water would be good

How exactly would I do this? Dilute the vinegar in water with salt? Or separate?

 

[toad]

Thanks for the replies guys!



How exactly would I do this? Dilute the vinegar in water with salt? Or separate?

Sorry, I missed this question -

Make a loose paste out of white distilled vinegar and plain table salt to gently scrub down your tank and hardscape, then rinse with hot water a few times Or, if you are worried that the salt is too abrasive and will cause scratches you can just use the vinegar to wipe everything down and then rinse in hot water.