All Turtles Message Board

delilah · Level 1 Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 14 Location: Ireland

Hey guys,

Cleaned out my lil turts tank AGAIN today...

Usually I use really hot soapy water and rinse and rinse and rinse... But I used hot soapy water then soaked in Milton and then rinsed and rinsed and rinsed...

Has anyone used it before? I soaked everything, filter, filter pads, floating dock, the works. I figured it'd be okay to use because it's used to sterlize baby bottles and toys and there is no need to rinse [although I did!] It kills e-coli and salmonella and various other things...

I just wanted to give the tank a really good once over because the filter is acting up [i've a Fluval 2+ for only 2 and a half months and it's not enough for 2 turts] and I was afraid of things starting to breed in the water.

When I put them back in they didnt seem to notice. I gave them a little bath =) I just got a baby sponge and gently rubbed their shell and bellies with warm water as the water in the tank was a little funky!

Anyway, I'd just be interested to know if anyone else used it =)

Fred_and_George · Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2007 9:15 pm Post subject:

soap is NEVER a good idea. it has a residue to it that sticks to everything. you should never use soap. there is a benificial bacteria that should grow in the water, and it can stress the turtles if you get rid of them by killing them frequently. they take about 3 weeks to build up and are very good for the environment the turt lives it. as for salmonell, the turtle will be the one causing the salmonella, it wont hurt him, as for e. coli, im pretty sure that that comes from human waste, not turtle wast. you should leave the water in your tank alone, for the most part. do a 10% water change a week, or 25% a month, this keeps the beneficial bacteria there, but puts some fresh water in. if you really want to clean things well, use a bleach solution of one tablespoon bleach to one gallon of water, then rinse really well. this is better for the environment the turts live in, but you need to rinse well.

as for the bath. that is cute, using a soft toothbrush is a great idea, i bet it feels really good for them. dont use any cleanign stuff on them either.
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I love my turtles! Smile

delilah · Level 1 Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 14 Location: Ireland

The soap I use is an EcoSoap... it's made from 98% natural ingrediants, I got it from my local health food shop. I was afraid to use household soap so I bought that instead. You can practically eat the soap [within reason obviously] and it doesn't harm you... So i figured it'd be okay. The same with the Milton, because it can be used to sterlize water for babies to DRINK I knew I'd be safe using it to soak the tank and stuff. I rinsed everything in super hot water when I was done just to be carefull.

I know that some bacteria is good for them, but since the filter really doesnt work much after a week or so, the water gets stinky and murky and I'd be afraid of just doing a 10% water change and leaving the rest there... Hopefully the malfunctioning filter is just due to the fact the filter pads need to be changed... Hopefully

They really seemed to like the baths. They also like having their heads rubbed gently =) And they don't mind being picked up or handled. I was afraid to use a toothbursh incase it was too rough, the baby sponge was nice and soft so I went with that

dixieee · Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2007 6:58 pm Post subject:

i clean their shells gently with a toothbrush Smile

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Wed 10/27/2004 is the worst day..i lost my best friend Leo

so now i have a female RES, Green, and a cute stupid male YBS, Mint

5/4/2006 RIP Lemon, u were my first rescue and i'm so proud of u. will never 4get u

turtlegirl13 · Level 1 Joined: 22 Jan 2007 Posts: 24

I know this may sound wierd but i am cursed i aint never moving another tank, I have already brokenlike 5, so changeing 25-50% of the water every week or two suits me just fine

-person who is not willing to move tank Twisted Evil

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I love my turtles!