storing acclimation line

[Kraig]

I'm not sure if this is the right place or not, but figured it would probably work.

How do you store your acclimation line (1/4" tubing)? It seems like those things can hold on to water and possibly harbor mold/bacteria. I think that tubing is pretty cheap. Maybe best as a one time use if you are going long periods without acclimating anything.

 

[ariellemermaid]

I open the valve all the way right before removing it from the tank. Then hang the loop on a shower head and also blow through it to remove any extra water. For reference I have a few of these (for free with different orders but you can make it yourself cheaply):
https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/drip-acclimation-kit/
If you’re referring to airline tubing you could just hook it up to an air pump for a bit to dry it out.

Overall though, I’m not very concerned about it. I think it would be pretty OCD and overkill as a one time use item. Drying it is good, and in my case the RO tubing is opaque and should block most light. As for bacteria they need water to live, and even then, it’s just the bacteria that live in the tank anyway. You could also store clear tubing in the dark if you’re worried about mold.

 

[Kraig]

I open the valve all the way right before removing it from the tank. Then hang the loop on a shower head and also blow through it to remove any extra water. For reference I have a few of these (for free with different orders but you can make it yourself cheaply):
https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/drip-acclimation-kit/
If you’re referring to airline tubing you could just hook it up to an air pump for a bit to dry it out.

Overall though, I’m not very concerned about it. I think it would be pretty OCD and overkill as a one time use item. Drying it is good, and in my case the RO tubing is opaque and should block most light. As for bacteria they need water to live, and even then, it’s just the bacteria that live in the tank anyway. You could also store clear tubing in the dark if you’re worried about mold.

Good suggestions. I didn't think about hooking it up to an air pump.

I am a little OCD about some things. I have a kegerator and I'm always replacing those lines :rolleyes: