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When can I put a healthy snake in a tank after cleaning a sick one?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

I had a ball python with a respiratory infection that I had to relocate to a warmer environment during his illness. I have washed the enclosure with bleach, rinsed, then hit it with chlorahexidine, then rinsed it with hot water. How long before I can put a healthy snake in that enclosure without risking their health?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on August 3rd, 2018

As long as it was properly sanitized, it should be safe to use. The diluted bleach, chlorhex and hot water rinse should have cleaned it adequately. Unfortunately, the only definitive method would be swab the tank and culture it. That said, it is *likely* fine to use.

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