Red-eared sliders are among the lovely Red-Eared sliders. As in the case of all pets, this gorgeous turtle requires a clean and healthy habitat. The problem is that turtle tanks can become filthy from leftover food, waste, and algae. Hence, these turtle tanks should be properly maintained.
How is that possible? So today, we are going to discuss how to clean a red-eared turtle tank step by step.
Why is Cleaning Important?
As turtles live in the water, the tank must be kept clean. It ensures their health and well-being.
Also Read: How to Clean a Fish Bowl?
If turtles swim in dirty water, harmful bacteria may develop, which can make your turtle sick. When you maintain cleanliness, your turtle can enjoy a comfortable and healthy habitat.
What You’ll Need?
Here is what you will need to begin before cleaning the tank.
A bucket (Just for the fish tank; do not use it for any other purpose)
A water siphon or gravel vacuum
A sponge or scrubber (only to clean the tank again)
A water conditioner (to make tap water turtle-safe)
A net for debris or excess food
Toothbrush (for fine scrubbing)
How to Clean Your Turtle Tank Step-by-Step
Step 1: Pick up your turtle and move it somewhere safe.
You need to temporarily put your turtle into a safe, smaller container with some clean water before cleaning.
Handle the turtle with care and make sure that the container is safe so that it cannot escape.
Step 2: Shut Down the Tank Equipment
Turn off all tank equipment, such as a heater, filter, or water pump. It would help if you got them out of the tank.
Then, clean them properly and without damaging or even hurting yourself.
Step 3: Siphon Out the Water
Always remove and replace about 25-50% of this water from the tank using a water siphon or gravel vacuum.
The siphon is going to allow you to clean down low dirt, waste, and debris from the bottom of the turtle tank.
Take only some of the water out because some of the old water is needed as it contains bacteria from the filter, et that is useful for keeping the tank healthy.
Step 4: Cleaning Of Decors And Rocks
Remove any rocks, ornaments, or ledges from the tank safely. Take special care while removing rocks, as they may damage the turtle tank, which is made up of glass.
This will be composed of algae and filth. Clean with warm water using a sponge or scrubber.
Do not use Soap or chemicals as they will be harmful to the turtle. For particularly tedious stains, a little brushing with an old toothbrush will do the job.
Step 5: Scrub the Glass
Now, you need to clean the tank walls. Scrub the inside of the glass lightly with a sponge, removing any algae or dirt cells.
If you see any green or brown spots that are probably algae, scrub them off with some elbow grease; they should come right off. The same goes for their decorations.
Do not use soap.
Step 6: Refill the Tank with New Water
After cleaning the tank and decorations, you can fill the tank with water again.
Fresh water, but add a water conditioner. That helps to eliminate harmful things like chlorine from tap water so your pet turtle can safely reside therein.
Top off your tank to a level that is appropriate for your red-eared slider.
Step 7: Power Up
Begin filling the tank back up, then turn on your filter and heater if you have any.
The filter will help keep the water clean by taking waste away, and the heater will be used to ensure that the water remains at another temperature suitable for the turtle.
Step 8: Putting Your Turtle Back in the Tank
When the tank is clean with water set at the correct temperature, slowly put your turtle back home. Check that everything is intact and the tank is turtle-ready.
How Much to Clean The Tank?
This must be done on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, depending on the size and number of turtles in the tanks.
A bigger tank or fewer turtles means you halve this cleaning frequency.
However, daily use of a net to do small tasks, such as picking up any uneaten food or debris, will also help to increase the time interval of tank cleaning.
Tips to Keep Clean and Sparkling Turtle Tank.
Feed in a separate container: Turtles are messy eaters, so when they do, keep them in a small tub or box and allow them to enjoy the meal there. Feeding them outside the tank will help stop them from making a mess in the water.
A good filter: you want to make sure the filtration is strong so that there’s not any turtle poop in their water.
The amount of food: do not feed the turtle too much. Food that is not eaten will rot and make water dirty much faster.
Daily spot clean: You should use a net to skim the surfaces to remove any debris or remaining food every day in order to prevent water from becoming too dirty between cleaning.
Conclusion
Just a few minutes cleaning the tank each week is time well spent to ensure your turtle stays healthy and happy in their home. It is something you are expected to do as a pet owner, and your turtle will thank you for it!