Sterilizing water changer

[Steve]

It seems one of my smaller tanks (29g) picked up ich from a new fish. I did PWC's on the small tanks last week and today/tomorrow is when I planed on doing my main tanks (Cichlids) but the last thing I was to do is worry about spreading ich to my "good" tanks. So should I be worried about ich on the water changer? and if so then what's the best and safest way to clean it before I use it on my main tanks?

[Somethingsfishy]

I've read that you should make sure any equipment you want to use on other tanks is totally dry, and it's safe.  Ich can't live without water.  It worked for me when one of my tanks had it a while back.

[danielratti]

I wouldn't worry about it. Ich cannot live outside of water for too long. If it completely dries out it dies. In order for ich to attach itself to fish it needs to be able to attach to the fish that means that the fish lost it slime coat due to some other reason. I know in saltwater if you take too long doing a water change you can stress the fish out to the point the slime coat drops off of the fish. With Africans I do not think that would be an issue.

[djlamonica]

I've never transfered ich from one tank to another and I've never done anything special to nets or water changers.

[Steve]

Okay good to hear. I'll just make sure the WC'er is fully dried out tomorrow then. Just wanted to be sure I was on the safe side and didn't create a problem in my main tanks.

[linuxrulesusa]

I've never transfered ich from one tank to another and I've never done anything special to nets or water changers.

My experience has been the same.

[RichE]

if you want to be "extra careful" wash it with hot water and towel dry, let it sit and air dry and you will be fine

[Maize-N-Blue-D]

I have read several posts in the MCA stating that you can wash your stuff out with hot water and a little bleach and then rinse it well before using again..

[linuxrulesusa]

I have read several posts in the MCA stating that you can wash your stuff out with hot water and a little bleach and then rinse it well before using again..

If you do this in a tank especially (which can be a good idea if it was stored in a garage or exposed to fumes) then make sure to add a little extra Prime or similar water dechlorinator which will neutralize any remaining bleach solution.  But rinse well, too.

[four_by_ken]

I never do anything special with mine.  8 tanks and dont hesitate.  When I am done... I just tuck the hose under than tank to store.  Never fully dries.  I also with the same hose to fill my tanks as I drain with.  I know it never dries out.

I do use a separate hose for my hospital tank when it is set up and has a sick fish with medication in it. 

[Ron]

Fishroom supply places, such as Jehmco.com,  sell various net dip products used to sterilize equipment. Running your water change equipment through such a sterilizer would be an option FWIW.

[Steve]

Thanks Ron I had never heard of that place before but on the site right now and looks like they have a bunch of good stuff.