Habitat - Indoor :: Cleaning the Tank

[sweetnspoiled55]

hi, ive had Stan for about 8 months now, and i have him in a 20 gallon tank and i have an AquaClear for a 20 gallon tank. and i have to clean the tank every couple of weeks. granted by the time i have time to clean it the water is pretty gross. but i was wondering if there was a better filter i could get that would help me not have to clean the tank so much. also is there an easier way to empty and refill the tank. i have to take a water pitcher, dump water into a bucket, and then dump the old water in the tub, then take buckets of the water i let sit for a few days and dump it in the tank and it is such a long process, there has to be an easier way to do this! can someone help me out?

[sonyj]

How big is Stan now? Just remember that the larger the tank and the more water you have the longer the water quality will stay clean.

Get a python water fill/drain system from your local pet store or Wal-mart. I don't know what I ever did without it, and it's worth the money.

If your filter is not rated for a least 3 times the tank size (20 gallon tank = 60 gallon filter rating), it's not going to keep up with the water quality. Turtles are very messy. Invest in a better filter. As you upgrade your tank, you can go with a canister filter like the XP3.

[missibsu]

Are you letting the water sit because of chlorine? They make water conditioner drops that will counteract the chlorine.

As for lugging water, there is the python that hooks up to the faucet and drains the tank, and then fills it. It doesn't work for some people because of a lack of water pressure, or the sink isn't close enough to the tank...not sure but there may be a way to extend it with a hose? You can also hook a longer hose to the sink and run it to the tank for filling.

I have a 75 gallon, and I lug water by the bucket for filling, and it's not fun. So I sympathize. I just haven't done anything about it.

For a 20 gallon, you should be doing water changes sooner than every two weeks. Even if the water doesn't look bad, there is still a build up of waste.

As for recommending a filter, several items come into play. Are you going to be upgrading your tank size any time soon? A filter should be rated for 3 times the capacity of you set up. So, with a 20 gallon, you ideally should have a filter for a 60 gallon tank. You have to consider if you want a waterfall style filter or a canister (external) filter. I have a whisper filter in my 30 gallon tank, and it does ok for what it is. I use a rena filstar xp3 in my 75 gallon, and I love it...and it makes no noise. Hope some of that helps.

[sweetnspoiled55]

yes this helps me out alot! thank you very much.

[industrial_girl_2000]

hi, ive had Stan for about 8 months now, and i have him in a 20 gallon tank and i have an AquaClear for a 20 gallon tank. and i have to clean the tank every couple of weeks. granted by the time i have time to clean it the water is pretty gross. but i was wondering if there was a better filter i could get that would help me not have to clean the tank so much. also is there an easier way to empty and refill the tank. i have to take a water pitcher, dump water into a bucket, and then dump the old water in the tub, then take buckets of the water i let sit for a few days and dump it in the tank and it is such a long process, there has to be an easier way to do this! can someone help me out?

1st: feed the turtle in a separate container.

2nd: Get a waterfall filter that is rated for a bigger tank than what you currently own to make sure you get enough filtration & make sure to change the filter weekly (don't just rinse/reuse the filter; use new filter every time).

3rd: get a waste degrader solution & use once/week. This works AWESOME & will not harm your turtle.

In terms of changing the water, I use a siphon tube & 5 gallon (paint) bucket. You don't have to put your mouth on the tube, you just have to submerge the tube in the water (get all the air out), put your finger over one end to block it, put it over the open bucket & let it go so the water fills the bucket. I hand carry the bucket outside & water my flowers with the dirty turtle water. To fill back up, I use the rubbermaid container that I feed my turtle in (not as heavy as the bucket & fits better under the sink tap). If you can, the easiest way to fill the tank is to use your garden hose. At my old house, I used to route it thru the window and into the tank. Simple & saves some wear & tear on your back.

I don't let excess water sit around my house to get the chlorine out. I let the tank sit for half/day with the filter running after I change the water (charcoal in filter removes chlorine & I throw in a calcium block or two to condition the water) while my turtle runs around my house. Besides, Sheba just loves roaming the house & her shell completely dries out which is good for her.

You have to understand that my turtle is very large, so her waste is large also since she eats a lot. So I have spent half my life perfecting the art of not having a tank that smells like "turtle"....