Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Alright, I've had my turtle in his tank for a little less than a week but I want to know what is the best method for cleaning the tank? I don't want to use soap, for fear of residual film. I've heard that a 3% bleach solution would do, but how would I even make that? This is not an emergency because the tank looks pretty clean but I'd like to clean it once a week anyway. So what is the best method?

beach could leave residual residue. i just use hot water and elbow grease with a course sponge designated for "turtle use only". you do have a filter, right? with the right filter, very little cleaning is necessary.

I've heard that a 3% bleach solution would do, but how would I even make that?

A 3% bleach solution is made by using a volume of 97% water and 3% bleach

Once you fill your tank afterward, Chlorine remover will break down any bleach remaining.

I personally never used bleach to clean a tank unless I was putting it in storage. I reccomend a large filter and a large volume of water in the tank. Also feeding outside of the tank will reduce the frequency of required cleaning.
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iturnrocks.com

I always use bleach because I want any pathogens that may be in there to be DEAD!
I just fill up the bathtub that I use for animals toss in about a half a cup of bleach & soak/scrub the tank, basking area. I use the long brush that came with the filter to scrub out the tubing. I don't bleach the filter but I do clean it out.
I rinse what's been bleached well let it air dry, bleach will break up & go away when you air dry.
By the time I fill the tanks with tap water that has chlorine in it anyway, there's nothing left of the bleach I've used to clean with.
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PHRatz

Totally agree. Bleach is an extremely efficient cleanser. I've used it for years with no problems.

My baby turtle gets too scared to eat when I move him to another tank to eat, so that's out of the question for the moment. I do have a filter and the water is clear but in any case, I'd like to clean the tank.
On a side note, my RES has been digging in the pebbles only near rocks. Is this unusual behavior, or is he simply looking for food? Thank you.

hes just looking for food, they all do that. what type of filter do you have exactly?

I have a Whisper 10i which I run it all of the time.