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when cleaning a tank, should i just empty out the water completely (with my turtle in a separate container), scrub it down, and then refill with fresh water, or just change most of it and scrub it a bit (to get water spots off the glass) and leave him in the tank. i have a 10 gal tank w/ a filter and a plant w/ some rocks. my turtle is only 2 in long (straight carapiece). thanks.

Since your tank is only 10 gallons (and already too small for your turtle--at least a 20 gallon would be better), I'd take the turtle out and do a cleaning/water change. The smaller the tank and the less water, the better it is to do a complete water change and cleaning.

I have a 20 gallon and I still go and do a complete water change and scrub everything down.

You need to do that especially if you start to get microscopic algae in there.

Unless it's a very small amount, I always take them out when I'm removing or adding water. When I'm cleaning, the tank is usually empty unless I'm just using a net skimming out waste, food or other debris. Even when I do that the turtles get in the way and make it a bit harder for me. When I had a 10 gallon, I'd dump some water into a bucket and hose everything down.