Habitat - Indoor :: maintaining a large tank

[bubblestheturtle]

i just bout a 55 gallon tank and a rena filstar xp3 to go with it. i am going to fill the tank 3/4 full. i also dont feed my turtles in the tank.

how often should i change the water and HOW? since its such a large tank? is there a way that you can pump it out? in partial water changes, do you add conditioner to each new gallon of new water you put back in the tank.


the 10 gallon was easy, but i dont really know what to do with a 55.

[xsavingsaturdayx]

Do partial water changes every week or every couple of days and do a full water change once a month. Scoop out poop, skin whenever you see it. You can buy a python - they cost around 30$ at any walmart, i dont know much about them..but i read that it beats having to take water out of the tank, bucket..after bucket. Do a search on it.

I add a little bit of water conditioner (a drop) when i replace evaporated water. And yes, if its for example, a teaspoon per every 5 gallons, then do the math. You might want to stock up on economy sized water condtioner

[N4784N R4613]

Well, how big are your turtle(s)? To change the water you could get a python, or if you don't have the money(like me) you could just use a garden hose, and siphon the water out.

[bubblestheturtle]

ok thanks, ill research the python. oh and the water conditioner thing, i bought a huge bottle of really high quality concentrated water conditioner. one capful treats 50 gallons. i forgot what it was called tho...

[bubblestheturtle]

oh yeah here it is:

http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_ ... 61687&Ne=2

its pretty inexpensive too

[steve]

Bigger tanks will actually require less cleaning. For your tank, I'd do 33% weekly, or a 50% every 2 weeks. Filter cleaning and a complete water change every 6-8 weeks... but your mileage may vary.

[RunninWideOpen]

It will depend a lot on the size of the turtles as well. If you've got one 2" turtle, you won't have to clean it nearly as much as two 5" turtles.

[marisa]

And if you have any other creatures in the tank, it may affect your cleaning schedule as well.