All Turtles Message Board

TLP1957 · Level 1 Joined: 11 Sep 2006 Posts: 11

Ok here's my problem. I have a 40gal long tank. Two filters One is a zoo med501 and the other is a fivle 3(pretty sure I messed up the spelling on that but sure you all know what I'm talking about) I have about 20 gals of water more or less in the tank. I have one map turtle she's almost 2 yrs old pretty good size turtle. About 3 days after cleaning out her tank the water goes green and cloudy. I don't feed her in the tank. So what am I doing wrong. I have her sitting in front of my sliding doors, she likes it there and the one time we tried to move her she didn't like it. I'll move her if I have to but its not the green like the fish tanks get, just the water gets green and cloudy. Also should I unplug her heater or leave it on. We do plan on getting her a 75 gal tank this summer, what kind of filter should I get her then. Thanks so much for any help
Terri

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

how big is she? I know i have a map turtle that is one year old and she is 7in. So, 20 gal of water is not by far enough for her (but you said you were going to get her a 75 gal tank... but I would do it sooner than later) Second, do you have gravel on the bottom? Word of advice... I don't use anything on the bottom of the tank bc it makes it impossible to keep it clean. Just leave it as glass bottom or whatever... I have a few larger rocks in there but thats about it for the bottom. debres gets suck in and under the gravel or sand. Thirdly I would move her away from the window... it could be causing algy growth... how warm is the water? If the water stays between 75 and 80f you don't need the heater but my water drops to the 60s if I don't use my heater. I use mine year around. also, when you get a bigger tank go ahead and get a Fluval 3pluss or a 4 pluss. I have a 3pluss and I only have to do water changes once a month. The water stays crystal clear. Make sure you have a carbon filter pad and a foam pad in the filter this will help clean the water and keep it from smelling bad. Hope all this helped. She may just not have enough room to move around comfortbaly in such a small area and it creats her to get stressed and exscreat more often.

2turtles · Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 7:50 pm Post subject:

2turtles

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

well obviously I check the water periodically to check for Nitrates and amonia... but the filter is works so well that the levels are never high.

TLP1957 · Level 1 Joined: 11 Sep 2006 Posts: 11

When the water gets green and cloudy we break down the tank and clean it down and refill it. I've been replacing the filters on both filters every 2 weeks. Is it because of her sitting in front of the slidding glass doors? We really love this turtle and I don't want her water to be gross. She doesn't seem to be upset or stressed out. She basks and eate normal. Actully I think she eats to much . We also don't have any rocks in the bottom at this time.
Thanks for any help
Terri

skslover · Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 3:23 pm Post subject:

the green may be turtle poop i went through the same thing w/my 1st turtle dont worry just clean out the tank reg. also it could be a slime that naturaly develops on and around turtles sometimes.
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