Things You'll Need
- Plastic scraper
- Baking soda
- Scrub brush
- White vinegar
- Towel
- Water filtration system
- Gravel
- Rocks
- Tank heater
- Full-spectrum fluorescent light
Instructions
Cleaning the Old Tank
Empty out any water that remains in the tank. Also dispense with any old gravel or decorations at the bottom of the tank.
Scrape any algae from the sides and bottom of the tank using a plastic scraper tool. These can be found at a local aquarium supply store or a hardware retailer.
Make a mixture of 1 cup water and 2 tsp. of baking soda. Use the mixture, along with a coarse scrub brush, to clean the inside surfaces of the tank. Use white vinegar to break down any tough algae patches.
Rinse out the tank completely with fresh water. Pat the inside of the tank dry with a clean towel.
Setting Up the New Tank.
Install the water filtration system. For best results, use an under-gravel filtration system. As filtration systems vary, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for how to install.
Fill the tank with 3 to 4 inches of water.
Pour in the gravel. Spread the gravel so that it rises higher than the water level on one side of the tank. This creates a miniature shore for the turtle, allowing him to submerge himself into the water as he pleases.
Position several large, flat rocks near the shore to provide the turtle a place to bask. Basking time allows the turtle to dry out after submersion and is important to avoid shell rot. Slate is an ideal choice for this type of rock.
Use a tank heater to ensure that the habitat stays around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The turtle's temperature requirements may vary depending on its species.