Other Turtle Discussion :: Cleaning

[TurtleMan17]

How often should i clean my tank?

[marisa]

How big is it? Do you have a filter? How big is your turt? How much water is in it?

[TurtleMan17]

Its a 20 Gal. tank that i have a 2 inch turt and a power filter thats olny rated for a 10 Gal tank and i have about 8 inches of water in it (its the longer tank not the taller one

[cam722]

Ideally you should have a filter rated for 2-3 times bigger than the size of your tank. So you need to get a larger filter. It should be one rated for at let least a 60 gallon tank. Remember, if you go larger you can always use it when you upgrade

[TexasJagsFan]

You should atleast do a complete water change every week.

[flutterby]

I vacuum the bottom of my tank and do partial water changes weekly.

[BigCT]

A larger filter will help. Just don't go 2 big since the tank is small. you don't too big a current with that small of a turtle.

I'd get a cheap gravel vacuum and drain as much water as you can, you'll leave a little in the bottom but that's OK, I'd do that every week or sooner if it gets real murky or smells.

I'd avoid complete water changes every week. As I understand it turtles give off some beneficial bacteria. By doing the partial water changes you'll keep some of the good stuff in the water and should stay clean longer.

Also if you have a empty bottom (no gravel) you can use a turkey baster to suck the poop out when you see it.

Good Luck
-Chris