Clarifying Solution: Safe For Turtles?

Keeping a turtle tank clean is essential for the health of your pet turtle. A full clean should be performed once or twice a month, and the water should be partially replaced at least once a week. When cleaning, it's important to use a product that is safe for turtles, as they can carry salmonella. Some sources suggest using a mixture of vinegar, chlorine, or bleach with water as a cleaning solution. However, others recommend against using bleach or vinegar, as they can be harmful to plants and difficult to rinse away completely. Instead, a turtle-safe cleaner from a pet store can be used.

Frequency of cleaning a turtle tank

Turtles are generally messy, so their tanks require a form of daily cleaning. This daily cleaning isn't a substitute for deep cleaning, but it helps the tank stay neat before it's time for a deep clean. The frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, including the number of turtles, the strength of the filter, and the presence of a substrate in the tank.

Daily Cleaning

Each day, use a small net to remove any droppings or uneaten food from the tank. Keep the swimming water filtered by using a canister filter or power filter. The more powerful the filter, the better for your turtles, unless they seem to be fighting the current.

Every Couple of Days

Test the pH level of your turtle's swimming water; it should be between seven and eight on a scale of 1-14. Buy a test kit or bring a water sample to a pet store for testing.

At Least Once a Week

Replace some of the water in the tank with clean water, even if it looks fine. Turtle tank water can be high in ammonia or nitrite, which are irritating or harmful to turtles.

Every Two to Three Weeks

Clean out the whole tank and refresh the filter. This involves carefully transferring your turtle to a temporary location, taking out everything from the tank, and washing the tank and its contents.

Every Month or Two

Deep clean the tank by taking out everything, washing it, and changing the water.

Choosing the right cleaning solution

Avoid Harmful Chemicals

It is crucial to avoid using household cleaners, detergents, or disinfectants like dish or hand soap when cleaning a turtle tank. These products can leave behind chemical residues that are difficult to remove and harmful to turtles. Even a trace of soap or detergent can be dangerous for your pet turtle.

Use Turtle-Safe Cleaners

Opt for a cleaner specifically designed for turtle tanks. These specialised cleaners are formulated to be safe for turtles and effective at removing dirt and debris. You can find turtle-safe cleaners at your local pet store or online.

Natural Alternatives

If you prefer a more natural approach, you can make your own cleaning solution using vinegar or bleach. Combine 0.5 cups (0.1 L) of chlorine bleach with one gallon (3.8 L) of water, or mix 1/4 cup (0.1 L) of plain distilled white vinegar with one gallon (3.8 L) of water. These solutions are effective at cleaning the tank and are less likely to irritate your turtle. However, avoid using vinegar or bleach if cleaning near vegetation, as they can be harmful to plants.

Scented Options

If you are sensitive to the smell of chlorine or vinegar, there are scented options available. Some turtle-safe cleaners are designed to be gentle on the nose while effectively cleaning the tank. These can be found at pet stores or online.

Biodegradable Choices

For outdoor cleaning or when near vegetation, opt for a biodegradable, plant-friendly tank cleaner. These cleaners are designed to be safe for plants and the environment while still effectively cleaning your turtle tank.

Test for Safety

Regardless of the cleaning solution you choose, it is essential to rinse the tank thoroughly after cleaning. Ensure that all residue from the cleaning agent is removed, and there is no lingering scent of vinegar or bleach. A thorough rinse will help ensure that your turtle's environment is safe and comfortable.

Remember to always follow the instructions on the cleaning product and wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, when handling any cleaning solutions. By choosing the right cleaning solution and following safe handling practices, you can maintain a healthy and happy home for your pet turtle.

How to clean the tank

To clean a turtle tank, you should follow these steps:

Firstly, remove your turtle from the tank and place it in a separate container with enough water to swim in and something to climb on, such as peat or rocks. Ensure this container is only used for this purpose and not for food.

Next, remove all electric devices, such as filters and heaters, and place them in a sink or bucket for cleaning. Then, take out any large objects like rocks, plants, or pieces of wood and place them in a separate bucket.

Now, it's time to move the tank to a cleaning area, such as outside or in a bathtub. Ask someone to help you carry the tank to avoid injury. Once in position, empty all the water, lifting one end of the tank so that the water pours out. If you have a substrate of gravel, you can leave this in the tank, but if you have organic matter such as peat or nut shells, these should be discarded and replaced.

Rinse the tank several times by filling it a quarter full with water and then emptying it. Repeat this process until the water in the tank is significantly clearer.

Prepare a cleaning solution of either a mixture of 0.5 cups of chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water, or 1/4 cup of plain distilled white vinegar to 1 gallon of water. Dip a sponge or coarse rag in the solution and scrub all sides of the tank, paying extra attention to corners and spaces where panels meet as debris tends to build up in these areas.

Clean all the tank components, such as filters, heaters, and decorations, with the cleaning solution. Rinse everything together in the bucket or tub and leave to dry.

Finally, rinse out the tank with a hose or bathtub to remove any residue from the cleaning agent. Dry the outside of the tank with a clean towel before carrying it back to its display area.

Reassemble the tank by returning all objects and electric devices, being careful to reinstall them securely and in the same setup as before to avoid disorienting your turtle.

Now, refill the tank with clean water, checking the temperature and chemical levels, such as pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, to ensure they are in a safe range for your turtle. Dechlorinate the water if necessary, and add a teaspoon of non-iodized salt per gallon of water to reduce bacteria and protect your turtle from skin and shell diseases.

Once the tank is clean and reassembled, you can return your turtle to its favourite resting spot and reward it with a treat.

Remember to clean your turtle tank regularly, at least once a month, to maintain a healthy environment for your pet.

Preparing the water

Step 1: Choosing the Right Turtle Tank

Select a tank specifically designed to hold water. Glass terrariums for land-dwelling reptiles are not suitable as they are thinner and can crack under the pressure of the water. The tank glass should be between 6-10mm thick, depending on the volume of water. A fish tank or specific turtle tank is ideal. Ensure the tank is large enough to accommodate your turtle's swimming and basking needs. As a rule of thumb, turtles need 10 gallons of water for every inch of shell.

Step 2: Positioning the Turtle Tank

Choose a ground-floor location in your home that can support the weight of the water-filled tank. Avoid placing the tank near a window, as natural sunlight can increase the temperature and encourage algae growth, affecting water quality.

Step 3: Water Temperature and Filtration

Maintain a constant water temperature with an aquarium heater. The ideal temperature depends on the turtle species, but most turtles prefer water around 78°F (25°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, placing it away from the heater to avoid false readings. Invest in a strong filter to manage waste, such as an external filter with a bigger capacity than your tank's water volume.

Step 4: Water Changes and Conditioning

Regularly change a portion of the water or perform complete water changes as needed. Frequency depends on factors like tank size, number of turtles, and feeding habits. Use a gravel vacuum or siphon to remove water, but never prime a siphon by mouth due to the risk of salmonella. Treat tap water with a water conditioner to remove chlorine and other chemicals before adding it to the tank.

Step 5: Testing Water Quality

Use test kits to monitor levels of ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites, as these waste products can be harmful to turtles even at low levels. Check with your pet store for safe and dangerous levels of each chemical. If levels are too high, perform a complete water change. Also, measure the pH level, which should generally be between 6 and 8 for most turtles.

Step 6: Adding Salt and Dechlorinator

Add one teaspoon of non-iodized salt per gallon of tank water to reduce harmful bacteria and protect your turtle from skin and shell diseases. Additionally, use an animal-safe water dechlorinator, especially if you've used bleach to clean the tank, to neutralise any remaining chlorine that could harm your turtle.

Maintaining water quality

Maintaining good water quality is essential for the health of your turtle. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

Regular Water Changes

Changing the water in your turtle tank regularly is crucial for maintaining good water quality. Aim for a 25% to 50% water change once a week. If you notice that the water in your turtle's tank is cloudy or has a foul odour, it's definitely time for a water change. Ideally, change the water before it reaches this stage.

Use a Water Filter

Invest in a good quality water filter designed specifically for turtle tanks, such as the Zoo Med Turtle Clean 318 Aquatic Turtle Tank Filter. Filters help keep the water clean between water changes by trapping debris and growing beneficial bacteria that break down waste products. Choose a filter with a flow rate of approximately four times the number of gallons of water in your tank. For example, for a 50-gallon tank, select a filter with at least a 200-gallon-per-hour flow rate.

Feed Your Turtle Outside the Tank

Feeding your turtle outside the tank can help reduce waste buildup. Use a separate container, such as a small plastic tub, filled with water from the tank to ensure the water temperature is suitable. After feeding, replace the water taken out with fresh water, and clean and sanitise the feeding container. This method reduces the amount of excess food decaying in the tank and the number of waste products, such as ammonia, produced in the tank.

Test Water Quality Regularly

Use water test kits to monitor the levels of ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites in your turtle's tank. These waste products can be harmful to your turtle, even at low levels. Test kits are available at pet stores and typically include instructions on safe and dangerous levels of each chemical. If the levels of ammonia, nitrates, or nitrites are too high, perform a complete water change. If the levels are moderate, increase the frequency of partial water changes.

Dechlorinate the Water

Use a water conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramines from tap water before filling your turtle's tank. Chlorine can irritate your turtle's eyes and may destroy beneficial bacteria in the tank, disrupting the nitrogen cycle and the breakdown of waste products. Water conditioners, such as the API Turtle Water Conditioner, are available at pet stores.

Choose the Right Filter Media

When setting up your filter, ensure it includes mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration. Mechanical filtration physically traps debris, usually with a sponge or filter pad. Biological filtration uses good bacteria to digest ammonia and biological waste, and it requires a large surface area to grow. Chemical filtration uses substances like activated charcoal to absorb toxins and pollutants.

Frequently asked questions