If you notice that your turtle's water is dirty, perhaps because you haven't changed it for some time, or there are still traces of dirt inside the tank, it might be worth giving it a good clean. Cleaning the tank thoroughly will remove any algae and bacteria making your turtle healthier and happier!
Steps
Step 1. Gently remove the turtle from the container and temporarily place it in another tank or bowl
If you have an aquatic turtle, make sure there is water in the container and provide the animal with a place where it can stay dry, like a rock, for example.
Step 2. Remove any filters, heaters, dry areas, etc
Step 3. Throw the water away
There are several ways to do this. You can dump it in the sink, use a blower or throw it out of the house. The important thing is that the tank is completely emptied.
Step 4. Fill the tub again with hot water, almost up to halfway
Step 5. Pour distilled white vinegar into the water (approximately 250 ml for every 20 L of water)
NEVER use household cleaners or disinfectants, soap or dish detergents, sprays, etc. since the chemical residues left by this type of products would then be impossible to remove completely. In the case of particularly dirty tubs, you can alternatively use a mixture of unscented bleach diluted in water (1 part of bleach for every 10 parts of water) to be used as a spray or to soak the tub overnight..
Step 6. Take a sponge and start scrubbing the sides of the tub
Also rub on the bottom. If the outside of the container is dirty, clean that too.
Step 7. Clean the filter
Remove all the dirt inside the filter and give it a good rinse. If you deem it necessary, also clean the heating appliance. Then clean up any rocks, decorative elements, substrate, etc. Rinse the various items and let them dry.
Step 8. Rinse the tub
Make sure it does not smell in the least of vinegar or bleach, then rinse again.
Step 9. Fill the tank again by pouring a water conditioner into the water to eliminate chlorine
This step is especially important if you used bleach to clean the tub; the use of the water conditioner will in fact eliminate any residual chlorine that could harm your little friend. Before filling the tank it is advisable to let it dry in the open air (preferably in the sun and in a well-ventilated area) for at least twenty-four hours.
Step 10. Pour the water into the tub making it reach the right temperature, then put the tub back in its place
Step 11. Re-add substrate, rocks, decor elements, filters, heaters, etc
Then plug them in and put them to work.
Step 12. Check the water temperature and make sure it is right
The water in a turtle's tank should be between 21 and 26 degrees, depending on the species of turtle. You can add a pinch or two of sea salt or non-iodized salt to kill any fungi and bacteria that survived the cleaning process.
Step 13. Put the turtle back in its tank and give it a treat, like a nice worm or some lettuce
Step 14. Admire your perfectly clean tub
Advice
- If the turtle stays under the stones all the time and does not touch the water, it could mean that the water temperature is not to his liking. Always carefully evaluate your turtle's behavior.
- Using a filter will allow you to be away from home for a few days without having to worry about changing the water in the tub.
- When the turtle is out of the tank, take a look at it from time to time.
- Try to keep the water level the same as it was before cleaning the tub.
Warnings
- NEVER use household or personal detergents when cleaning objects that can contaminate the water of your turtle or with which it can come into contact!
- If it perceives a change in the water, the turtle could retreat inside its shell.
- Make sure everything is clean.
- Rinse the tub thoroughly before filling it again!
