Pet Turtle : Sterilization

Eventhough we strongly discourage putting decorations off-the-road into the tank, we are dealing extensively with sterilization methods because often a well sterilized off-the-road decoration helps you add that special 'personal' touch to your tank.

Sterilization Methods discussed are for: Stones/Gravel, Shells and Driftwood

Collecting shells, stones etc. along with your spouse or kids can be a beautifully rewarding experience. Each small piece of shell or stone you collect becomes much more than a roadside pebble - it turns into a key that unlocks fond memories when you have long forgotten them.

We had spent over 4 hours on a virgin beach in Daman (India) collecting stones of different colors - and whenever the light strikes the blue stones in the tank that we collected that one evening - we seem to be transported back to those serene moments of bliss.

But, getting down to basics:

Why sterilization?
Each shell, stone or driftwood that you collect has microscopic organisms unique to the collection area. Your turtle exists in a habitat where such microorganisms might not exist. Some of these might be parasitic (harmful) for your turtle, and as it has not been exposed to these alien microorganisms earlier it will not have the immunity to resist an attack. Thus introducing an untreated (read unsterilized) decoration into the tank increases the risk of infection/disease to your tank inhabitants.

What is sterilization?
A method to disinfect the article of any organic or inorganic elements that may pollute the turtle habitat.

Is there just one common sterilization method?
No, the method varies based on the type of tank decoration

What sterilization method should I use?
Different methods are used based on the different type of decoration. Sterilization methods for shells, stones and driftwood follow. We do not guarantee if these methods will make your off-the-road decoration 100% safe, but they have worked for us�

Sterilizing Stone (and gravel)
1. Rinse well under a strong water stream removing all visible debris
2. Soak overnight in clean water
3. Scrub using an old toothbrush, especially all cavities, crooked edges etc.
4. Make a bleaching powder paste and apply all over the stone/gravel ensuring all surfaces are covered
(This bleaching powder costs less than INR 10 for 100 GMS and will be easily available with your local grocery shop. For paste mix 7 tablespoons of water for every tablespoon of bleaching powder. )
5. Place on an old newspaper in direct sun to dry. Takes around 30-45 minutes.
6. Make an acid solution and carefully immerse the bleached stones in it. This generates a reaction that causes a lot of fizzing and white foaming. Don't be alarmed, just avoid skin contact with the frothing solution.
7. Soak for 20-30 minutes. Rinse carefully. This way you can also identify stones that are weak - as they will start dissolving! Separate these stones and discard them, as they can't be put into the tank.
8. Rinse well, removing all traces of bleaching powder.
9. Pressure cook under pressure in clear water, for 10 minutes.
10. Rinse well. Dry.
11. (Optional) Heat in oven at 150oC for 30 minutes
12. Soak in clean water overnight.
13. Place in Tank!

back to top

Sterilizing Shells
1. Rinse well under a strong water stream removing all visible debris
2. Soak overnight in clean water.
3. Scrub using an old toothbrush, especially all cavities, crooked edges etc.
4. Physically remove any dead creatures like crabs, other mollusks, etc. from the shells. Rinse well.
5. Make a bleaching powder solution and soak shell in it.
(This bleaching powder costs less than INR 10 for 100 GMS and will be easily available with your local grocery shop. For solution mix 4 tablespoons of bleaching powder for every liter of water.)
6. Soak for 20-30 minutes. Rinse carefully. This way you can also identify shells that are weak - as they will start crumble in your hand! Separate these shells and discard them, as they can't be put into the tank.
7. Rinse well, removing all traces of bleaching powder.
8. Pressure cook under pressure in clear water, for 30 minutes.
9. Rinse well. Dry.
10. (Optional) Heat in oven at 150oC for 15 minutes
11. Soak in clean water overnight.
12. Place in Tank!

back to top

Sterilizing Driftwood
1. Rinse well under a strong water stream removing all visible debris
2. Soak overnight in clean water
3. Scrub using an old toothbrush, especially all rough surfaces, cavities, crooked edges etc.
4. Make a mild bleaching powder solution and soak driftwood in it.
      (This bleaching powder costs less than INR 10 for 100 GMS and will be easily available with
       your local grocery shop. For solution mix 1 tablespoon of bleaching powder for every liter of
       water.)
5. Soak overnight.
6. Rinse well. Gently scrub the surface removing all traces of bleaching powder.
7. Soak in clean water for 60 minutes, replacing the water with clean water every 20 minutes.
8. Pressure cook under pressure in clear water, for 30 minutes.
9. Rinse well. Dry.
10. Heat in oven at 125oC for 60 minutes
11. Soak in clean water overnight.
12. Place in Tank!

back to top

Any precautions while sterilizing?
Yes, plenty! To start of this is a slightly complicated procedure with heat and corrosive chemicals, so it needs to be done extremely carefully. If at any point your body comes in contact with any of the chemicals or heating elements - wash immediately with clean cold water and rush to the nearest doctor. Other precautions (by no means exhaustive):
� Even if the pet is the responsibility of the child, they should never be allowed to undertake
    sterilization.
� Ideally wear protective gloves and a kitchen apron
� Do not place the chemicals near the tank or next to an open flame.
� Both bleaching powder and acid are highly corrosive and generate noxious fumes, so its best to
     carry out the process in the open
� Don't inhale the fumes!