Of course turtles are cute, but they sure can make a mess! Worse still, their mess can really smell. Turtles are great pets, but they need to be properly cleaned up after, otherwise, you might find yourself regretting them. There is an easy method to keeping their tank clean and scent-free, but you do need to stay on top of the cleaning for it to be effective. Just follow these steps once a month and you and your little turtle will be getting along wonderfully.

1. Create a warm space for your turtles to hang out. This could be a large box or kiddy pool, but you want to make sure you can keep an eye on them while they are there. Make sure that the room is around 75 degrees, too, you don't want them getting too cold.

2. Then, hook up a siphon hose to a battery operated water vacuum. Put the exit end of the hose in a bathtub, sink or if it can reach, out a window into your yard. Turn on the vacuum and allow it to empty the tank of water.

3. Take any toys and removable parts to the sink. Give them a good scrub with a toothbrush and white vinegar to get rid of any waste and algae that might have hung on. Rinse them very clean with water to be sure that no vinegar gets into the tank.

4. Rinse out your water filter and the media inside using only water. Spend a little time doing this to ensure the water cleans it properly.

5. Clean the inside of the tank walls. You'll need a toothbrush and baking soda for any hard water stains. Again use white vinegar and a paper towel to wipe down the inside of the tank.

6. Once the tank is empty, remove the tube from the vacuum. If there is a little water left in it, let it run out into the sink. Then, attach the tube to your faucet with the attachments included and fill the tank with clean, warm water.

7. While the tank is filling, put all your accessories back in the tank. The turtle will move them all around when they get back in, anyway.

8. Add a little organic waste decomposer according to the directions on the bottle after you fill the tank. If there is any floating debris at the edges of the tank, use a turkey baster to suck them up.

9. Now you can put the turtles back in! Be sure to give them a little food for their trouble.

Each week, clear the filter strainers of plant debris and waste and wipe away algae that clings to the walls. Do the entire, systematic cleaning once monthly and you will be set. Keeping the tank clean is essential to merging your two habitats without negative consequences. With proper care, you can have happy, healthy turtles that only reward you with their presence.