rodent Tank cleaning suggestion

[Smaug149]

I am thinking of getting out of breeding mice. Which means I will have a number of empty 10 gal. Assuming I can find one that hasn't had the silicone seal chewed too badly. How would you safely clean a male mouse tank to be fish safe? Thanks

 

[fishorama]

I would act like the rodent poo/urine residue (after several clean tap water rinsings) is kind of like dosing ammonia. You need a good test kit like an API master freshwater kit...Then see where you are. Then we'll try to help you. We need some baseline numbers, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate & & your tap water after it sit out for 24 hours.

 

[Smaug149]

Thanks, I'll definitely get a test kit. It'll be awhile before I have any numbers, though.

 

[fishorama]

Also look very carefully at the silicone seals, rodents may have chewed or clawed at it enough to make it less than functional, make sure it's watertight.

 

[the loach]

I have yet to see a tank used for rodents for longer periods of time that didn't have its seals damaged. Once they are damaged it will have to be resealed.
Even if the tank is not leaking yet, it will be a major risk in the near future. As for rinsing use dishwasher, clean out well, fill the tank let it sit for a couple of days, rinse, fill it again and let it sit for a couple of days and if it does no longer smell like rodents it'll be fine.