sterilising/bleaching bark

[SnakeyJay]

Hey everyone. So in work im scaffolding a collapsed bridge over a river in a National Trust Forest. Ive managed to get a couple of half pipe tube bark pieces from the gardener/groundskeeper. How long do i soak them in bleach for? And what ratio of bleach to water? Many thanks for your help in advance.

[TeaNinja]

i assume you're trying to make it so no mites or anything come out?

you can also hold it under water in your bath tub so it gets nice and saturated, then bake it at a somewhat low temp so it can steam all the water out killing all the nasties.

[SnakeyJay]

i assume you're trying to make it so no mites or anything come out?

you can also hold it under water in your bath tub so it gets nice and saturated, then bake it at a somewhat low temp so it can steam all the water out killing all the nasties.

Yep, thats exactly what im trying to do. Id prefer to bake them but theyre too big for my oven, hence the new method. Thanks tho zak, much appreciated.

[TeaNinja]

yea, ive had that same issue lol.

[SnakeyJay]

My girlfriend has an autoclave at work but i think that would incinerate it lol... it goes 220°c for 15 mins. :)

[TeaNinja]

haha. i deliver food for an italian/pizza restaraunt and we have food scales that are awesome and i've always wanted to take one to weigh my snakes lol.

[SnakeyJay]

Sweet... my gf is a lab technician so ive already been eyeing up the scales etc.

[marvelfreak]

Yep, thats exactly what im trying to do. Id prefer to bake them but theyre too big for my oven, hence the new method. Thanks tho zak, much appreciated.
Just make sure to rinse it good and let it dry all the way before using.

[SnakeyJay]

Just make sure to rinse it good and let it dry all the way before using.

If i soak em in the bath how much bleach should i put in? And how long do i leave them in there for?

[marvelfreak]

If i soak em in the bath how much bleach should i put in? And how long do i leave them in there for?
In the tub i would use about 1/4 to 1/2 a cup, and sit something heavy on them so they sink. I would let them so a couple hours.

[SnakeyJay]

Thanks Marvel... ill give it a go. Im just trying to create more ground cover for my young bci.

[marvelfreak]

Thanks Marvel... ill give it a go. Im just trying to create more ground cover for my young bci.
When you get them done and in the cage we need pics. :)

[SnakeyJay]

When you get them done and in the cage we need pics. :)

No problem... any exscuse to take more pics.