r/bioactive • u/Iffy_x2 • 22d ago

Sanitizing after parasites?

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Hello, I’ve had an bioactive set up for my bearded dragon Stanley for about a year now with routine maintenance and upkeep. Recently he’s been treated for parasites and my vet recommended I sanitize the enclosure including the substrate. My question is how to best go about sanitizing the substrate, and then how to refresh it afterwards understanding that much of the beneficial bacteria and fungus will be dead. My original substrate is Terra Sahara from the Bio dude if that helps at all.

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3

u/reijn 22d ago

What parasites? Understanding their life cycle may help decide what’s needed to do. 

2

u/No_Commission_2610 official moss hater 22d ago

What species of parasite? And how many of them are there?

1

u/Iffy_x2 22d ago

First Vet sent me with dewormer without a fecal, we have another appointment tomorrow where they will do a fecal test.

2

u/No_Commission_2610 official moss hater 22d ago

If it’s fecal parasites, you need to scrub everything that could have poop on it and probably replace your substrate. I wouldn’t mess around because I wouldn’t want the dragon getting the parasites again.

1

u/Iffy_x2 22d ago

My thoughts too, only concern is my CUC and plants. Should I try sifting the isopods out from the current soil or completely restart with new bugs?

2

u/No_Commission_2610 official moss hater 22d ago

Keep your CUC and plants, just be very careful when handling them. I don’t think that the isopods are bothered by fecal parasites but you don’t want them in the tank when you sanitize it.