Habitat - Indoor :: setting up a turtle tank

[abogada]

I just got a new tank that comes with an out of tank filter. I bought a water heater; it also came with a ramp to put in and HOOD WITH A UVB LIGHT. Do I have to wash out the tank with a mild detergent before I put in the water; or should I just rinse it out, or clean it with a damp sponge (to remove any dust). Please advise. Thank you.

Abogada

[almmaaa]

I would use a sponge to clean the tank and rinse everything really well.

[BullDog]

When I got my new tank, I just gave it a wipe with 1/2 and 1/2 vinager and water, then rinsed it good until I couldn't smell the vinager any more.

[SpotsMama]

Either of the two suggestions above is good. What you don't want to ever do is put detergent in the tank. There's always a little residue left behind and it's bad for the turtles.

[pumpkinsherbet]

when i got my new tank, i used vinegar to clean it out, then rinsed it real good before putting the water in.