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i would like to know if i can use dish washing soap to clean my tank?


and how do i clean my filter?


how do YOU clean your filter?

If you are doing a complete cleaning, then I would suggest using vinegar or very diluted bleach. Either one needs to be rinsed really good, and maybe even aired out for a period of time.

I wouldn't use the dish soap, it has a tendancy to leave behind soap residue which can harm your turt.

It would help to know what kind of filter you had...depending on the model would depend on how you go about cleaning it. Some you can just rinse, others need a good scrubbing, some have media that you can rinse, some has to be replaced, etc.

for my tank when i do a full water change i pump out all the water then i soak it in a clorine solution of like 98% water 2% bleach for about 2-3 hrs and i rinse it off very good then it will be sitting until its all dry

i think bleach works better plus the smell of vinegar is very bad

as for the filter i use warm water to rinse off my filter media and sponge pads

I would NEVER ever us any kind of detergent to clean my turtles tank. If you do use bleach make sure you rinse extra extra well. But like Missi says I'd recommend using vinegar to clean, its a more mild and effective cleaner and there is less chance of harming your turtle.

xsavingsaturdayx wrote:i would like to know if i can use dish washing soap to clean my tank?

how do YOU clean your filter?

I don't know the effect that soap would have on an RES since I have never tried it, but this is how I have done it for 16 yrs (that's how long I have had my RES):

I rub any algae off the side of the tank, drain the tank, and refill with tap water. Throw in a calcium block to help neutralize the water (and get rid of chlorine) and let it sit for a couple of hours before I put RES back in.

Filter: Just rinse the inside with tap water & wipe off any accumulated algae/dirt/whatever. Replace the filter medium. I have a waterfall-style filter but don't submerge the whole thing in water. I just wash the inside, where the water/filter goes.

oh allright thank you all,ill try using vinegar then since more of you use it and its easier to clean.
i already have water conditioner and that removes chlorine, am i right?

You'll have to check the water conditioner that you bought. Most conditioners do chlorine, most do other things as well. It also helps to call the place that supplies your water, they can tell you exactly what is added to it. Then you'll know what you need to treat.

I used diluted white vinegar for regular cleaning, followed by a good rinse (the smell doesn't last that long). For disinfecting, I used diluted bleach, numerous rinses, and air drying.

I've always just used water and a sponge. Does anyone know if that Wipe Out stuff from pet stores even works. In my three yrs the sponge has done the trick

I bought a cheap toothbrush to scrub the tank sides and the dock and filter, it works really well on the dock and filter, where algae tend to accumulate. I wouldn't use an old toothbrush for fear of what could be left on it.
I haven't tried bleach or vinegar, I find water works well with some elbow grease haha.