Things You'll Need
- Hot water
- White vinegar
- Sponge
- Old toothbrush
- Betadine antiseptic solution
- Table salt
Instructions
Remove your turtle from the tank and place it into a secure holding area, such as a tall plastic tub or a bathtub.
Remove all equipment (filters, heaters and lights), decorations and basking surfaces from the tank.
Empty the tank of water and thoroughly wash the insides with equal parts hot (not boiling) water and white vinegar. Wipe down all sides with a sponge. Use a toothbrush to get into corners of the tank.
Wash all equipment, decorations and basking surfaces with hot water, using a toothbrush to scrub each piece. Avoid washing the light; simply wipe it clean with a damp sponge or soft cloth.
Squirt an antimicrobial solution, such as Betadine, onto the sides of the tank, all equipment except the light, decorations and basking surfaces.
Rinse the tank, equipment, decorations and basking surfaces thoroughly to remove any disinfecting solution.
Replace all equipment, decorations and basking surfaces in the tank.
Refill the tank with clean, warm water.
Allow all equipment to run for 30-45 minutes, then place the turtle back into the tank.