What are your guys' thoughts on autoclaving? I found these spiky seed pods in my back yard, and think they would make awesome little bug hotels, but I only want bugs that are controlled put into my tank. Any thoughts?
Lots of people bake or boil this type of item, don't they? Don't need the fancy/expensive equipment, and it will kill bugs/bacteria/mold/fungus. I used to autoclave medical instruments at work, and if I remember correctly, the items need to be manually cleaned before you put them inside the autoclave envelopes. The autoclave should kill everything I would think (similar to an oven baking items), but they wouldn't necessarily be clean (like if you boil them).
I'm not worried about clean, if they are sterile.. My tank is no where near clean nor sterile, but I don't want to introduce outside stuff inside the tank. I have access to an autoclave at work, and can use a glass jar to set them in to use it. I just want the bugs, bacteria, mold and fungus all dead!
Autoclave = overdoing it IMO
Opinion taken
Boiling and baking seems like a lot of work, and more heat in my house! That's why I ask, really.. haha
Question....just how large is your 'calve ?
Not big at all.. We can only fit like 2 surgery packs that measure about 6"x3" in there. We are a little animal hospital lol
If you have an autoclave go ahead and use it. Its a pretty good way to kill almost everything and you don't need to worry about chemicals. Most people do not have an autoclave so its not an option or they feel that anyone who does probably has one at work, so its more convenient to boil at home. But canning is essentially autoclaving and well in the past alot of people had pressure cookers, seems like no sot much anymore.