[fishscale]

Hi, I'm about to get a 55 gallon tank that has had a turtle in it. As far as I know, it doesn't leak. It's filled halfway for the turtle. I have two questions: If it doesn't leak halfway, should I still test for leaks at 100%? And second, since turtles are messy, and I saw a nice chunk of algae in the tank, what steps should I take in cleaning the tank to reduce possible algae contamination?

 

[boasist]

absolutely test for leaks, 100% fill for at least 24 hours.

As for the cleaning, I always give mine a powerwash first, then a complete dry, let sundry, and if deemed neccesary, another powerwash and air dry. Always works well, and never have had any algae/bacteria issues afterwards.

 

[sandiegoryu]

Of course you know not to use ANY kind of soap/cleaner/detergent except perhaps bleach (please correct me if I'm wrong). But if you use bleach you clean very well until the smell is gone (again correct me if I'm wrong).

 

[boasist]

Yeah I used bleach once, yet it was on a 10 gallon tank, and I did flushed the tank out for about 20 minutes straight before letting it dry and doing it again.

I had no ill side effects from doing this.

 

[fishscale]

Thanks for the input. Also, what is the best way to polish the glass to get the best viewing possible? I can't afford starfire glass or anything, so this will have to do (even this was expensive for me).

 

[boasist]

I have done 50/50 vinegar and water, just make sure you cycle your tank good before adding other items, and everything has always been great.

distilled white vinegar.