Anti-fungal Cleaner?

[AjaMichelle]

How can I disinfect my enclosure?

What type of cleaner can be used to combat fungal growth?

Thanks! :)

[insignia100]

Bleach should work.

Try a 1:50 solution. Mix 1oz bleach into 1 gallon of water. Make sure the cage is clean and free of any organic matter before using. Bleach can be deactivated by organic material.

[AjaMichelle]

Bleach should work.

I'm trying to avoid using bleach because I use chlorhexidine as a disinfectant and the two will react and likely stain my enclosure red.

[insignia100]

You could also try a quaternary ammonium compound (Roccal) or phenolic compounds (Lysol), but I'm not sure of the safety of those two when it comes to reptiles.

[AjaMichelle]

That's what I thought too! I'll ask my vet when I get a hold of her and let you know :)

[Rogue628]

Please do! I'd love to know other safe alternatives for cage cleaning.

[jarich]

Isn't chlorhexedine a fungicide? I know with certain fungus, there needs to be a specifically targeted fungicide though. I think the only way to be certain is a culture.

[AjaMichelle]

Chlorhexidine is an anti bacterial disinfectant and does not work as an anti fungal.

I was hoping there was some kind of broad spectrum anti fungal cleaner that I would be able to use. I believe you are correct Jarich with respect to topical anti fungal treatments.

[stevenrudge]

How about Virkon?

[insignia100]

How about Virkon?

Virkon isn't great against fungi. It does have some activity against fungi, but if I were looking to kill fungi specifically I wouldn't use it.

[stevenrudge]

Virkon isn't great against fungi. It does have some activity against fungi, but if I were looking to kill fungi specifically I wouldn't use it.
Agreed but what do you guys think of Virkon as a multi-use broad spectrum virucidal disinfectant for rep's?

[hellosugaree]

Does Chlorhexidine leave that much residue where you can't wash it out before bleaching?

[Lankyrob]

What fungus have you got in the enclosure and why? This would be my starting point - i havent ever had anything grow in my enclosures in two years - even the very humid ones :)

[AjaMichelle]

Agreed but what do you guys think of Virkon as a multi-use broad spectrum virucidal disinfectant for rep's?

I am not familiar with Virkon.

Does Chlorhexidine leave that much residue where you can't wash it out before bleaching?

In my experience, whether I use bleach first and chlorhexidine later or vice versa, and regardless of whether I do a rinse, red stains show up. They dissipate over time but it's something I would like to avoid completely.

What fungus have you got in the enclosure and why? This would be my starting point - i havent ever had anything grow in my enclosures in two years - even the very humid ones :)

I don't know if I have a fungus necessarily, I'm just covering all of my bases. :)

My burmese is having some skin issues:
http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/giant-python-discussion/92423-burm-skin-mystery.html

[AjaMichelle]

My vet also told me that she doesn't know of any reliable, herp-safe, anti-fungal disinfectant cleaners other than bleach.

[insignia100]

If it were me, I'd switch to bleach and be done with it. Chlorhex is nice for some things, but I don't personally see an advantage when it comes to cage cleaning. Especially considering you have to let it sit for at least 5 minutes before wiping it off to do any good.

[AjaMichelle]

For sure, I just really hate the way bleach smells and the chlorhexidine doesn't have to be rinsed off afterward. :(

I bleached the enclosure tonight and nothing turned red to my surprise. :) but the water turned bright yellow. His enclosure is definitely a ton cleaner as a result.

I think I am going to go back to bleach instead of soap and chlorhexidine.