How to Clean an Old Fish Tank for a Turtle

Turtles may not be soft and cuddly, but their low maintenance and extended lifespan make them a great long-term pet. While tanks designed specifically for turtles are available, an old fish tank can serve as a temporary home. Most turtles grow in size over the years, so inevitably you'll need to replace the old fish tank. To use a fish tank as a turtle habitat, you'll need to clean the tank and fit it with a few necessary items.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic scraper
  • Baking soda
  • Scrub brush
  • White vinegar
  • Towel
  • Water filtration system
  • Gravel
  • Rocks
  • Tank heater
  • Full-spectrum fluorescent light
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Instructions

  1. Cleaning the Old Tank

    • 1

      Empty out any water that remains in the tank. Also dispense with any old gravel or decorations at the bottom of the tank.

    • 2

      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.

    • 3

      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.

    • 4

      Rinse out the tank completely with fresh water. Pat the inside of the tank dry with a clean towel.

    Setting Up the New Tank.

    • 5

      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.

    • 6

      Fill the tank with 3 to 4 inches of water.

    • 7

      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.

    • 8

      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.

    • 9

      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.