(2) Switch off the heater, leave it in the water to cool for at least 5 minutes.
If heaters are switched on and are out of the water, the glass will break or they will burn out.

(3) Put the water plants into lukewarm water.

(4) Drain dirty water from tank using a syphon or scooping it out with containers.

(5) Remove heater, filter, rocks, thermometer and neutralizer block.

(6) When you have removed as much water as possible, carry the tank with the gravel in it, outside. Get someone to help you, as tanks are heavy.

(7) Using the hose switched on full blast, wash the gravel by tipping the tank on an angle, swishing the gravel around in the water with the hose and gloved hands, and tipping out the dirty water.    Keep doing this until the water runs clear.   Make sure all gravel is washed.

(8) Make sure tank sides are clean, then return tank with clean gravel to its position inside.

(9) Scrub rocks with warm water - NEVER use detergent or cleaners on anything which is to be put in the tank.

(10) Clean filter, heater and thermometer.

(11) Arrange rocks in a pile on the gravel.

(12) Fill the tank to the desired level with clean fresh warm water; not too hot (test with a thermometer before replacing tortoises). Temperature should be between 75 degrees Fahrenheit and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius to 29 degrees Celsius).

(13) Replace heater, filter, neutralizer block, thermometer. Switch on heater.

(14) Condition the water with calcium and salt.

(15) You may put back the tortoises now, then add the water plants.

(16) Put the cover on and replace the light.