Anti-fungal Cleaner?

AjaMichelle · 05-09-12, 07:57 PM

How can I disinfect my enclosure?

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

Thanks!

insignia100 · 05-09-12, 08:20 PM

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 · 05-09-12, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by insignia100

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 · 05-09-12, 08:29 PM

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 · 05-09-12, 08:34 PM

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

Rogue628 · 05-09-12, 10:35 PM

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

jarich · 05-10-12, 12:10 AM

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 · 05-10-12, 01:39 AM

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 · 05-10-12, 03:57 AM

How about Virkon?

insignia100 · 05-10-12, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevenrudge

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 · 05-10-12, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by insignia100

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 · 05-10-12, 07:33 AM

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

Lankyrob · 05-10-12, 03:15 PM

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 · 05-10-12, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevenrudge

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellosugaree

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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

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...n-mystery.html

AjaMichelle · 05-10-12, 06:20 PM

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