All Turtles Message Board

coriatc · Guest Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Posts: 3

First, I am wondering if any of you use an undergravel filter in your tanks. We are currently using one, but am wondering if it's worth the mess.

Second, we are having some problems with what seems to be a sort of parasite in the water ... like little wormy things in the water. It's really kind of creepy. This is our second incident of them. Last time we noticed it, we had recently purchased a pleco to help with some of our algae issues, but then these parasites arrived, and soon after the pleco died ... so I think he had some sort of problem. At that time, I emptied the tank (55gal) and cleaned it thoroughly and then refilled it, etc. Well, that was a couple of months ago, and yesterday I noticed these wormy things have come back. UGH! I don't think it's the turtles because the tank stayed nice and parasitic free for a couple of months. Any ideas on how to treat it so it doesn't reoccur?? I am planning on completely emptying it out again on Saturday, but I would like to avoid that in the future.

Thanks in advance! Smile

kx125rider · Level 2 Joined: 16 Jun 2007 Posts: 94 Location: louisiana

1st get rid of the under gravel filtr you have to buy a filter thet is bigger thann the tank uless you feel like cleenin alot 2nd for the parasit maybe spray the turtle with mite off it comes in a little blue bottle maybe tht will cure the mite/parasite thing and for the algae put some new shiny pennies in the aquarium also take it away from any windows if u have it there

hope tht helps put some pix up

ryanandsuzyro · Level 3 Joined: 19 Nov 2006 Posts: 207

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Articles/filtration.htm

MinisMommy · Level 3 Joined: 06 Jun 2007 Posts: 103

yeah under gravel filters are not healthy for turtles... it can remove the good bacteria that turtles need... and at the same time trapping the debries like that will cause bacteria or paramesium like you described. Invest in a fluval 3+ or 4+ they are seriously the BEST filter out there.

coriatc · Guest Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Posts: 3

Thank you for the information! We are planning to remove the undergravel filter and put in a nice fluval filter or two once we get a chance!

Luckily the parasites seem to be gone. I did a parasite treatment a few days ago, and as of today it looks as if they may be gone ... and I plan to do another treatment in another few days, just to make sure.

Thanks for your help ... and advice! Smile