All Turtles Message Board

mhpisces01 · Guest Joined: 09 Apr 2008 Posts: 3

I've had my 2 baby RES turtles since January. They're in a 10 gallon tank with a fish filter for 30-60 gallons. I've noticed that some people are only doing partial water changes, but I completely change mine at least 2-3 times a week. The water parameters are all safe, but I don't like them swimming in murky water. I know I wouldn't want to bathe/drink it. *yuck* I did purchase a product called "Turtle Clean". It's supposed to reduce the biological wastes of the turtles, yet the water is still gross. I am going to buy them a bigger tank within the next few months. I don't want to try to completely change a 55+ gallon tank 2-3 times a week. What am I doing wrong? Please help!

Rachel16 · Level 3 Joined: 18 Jul 2007 Posts: 344

You need to let the water alone so the alegi can grow and the good bateria can grow... When they do the water should get clearer.
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Tara Dakota

In memory of Tara who died unexpectedly 4Pm on January 14, 2007

mhpisces01 · Guest Joined: 09 Apr 2008 Posts: 3

What does algae have to do with the water clarity? It's more of a nuisance than a benefit. It isn't a bacterial bloom. I have other aquariums, and I know what the blooms look like. Any other suggestions? I'm debating about going overkill with a pond filter when I upgrade. A filter that's designed to filter 2500+ gallons of water should be able to handle a couple of turtles.

deesygirl · Moderator Joined: 12 Sep 2002 Posts: 1197

You need to let the filter do its job. As it filters the water good bacteria form on the filter medium. Same as in a fish tank. The good bacteria will help balance out the water.
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mhpisces01 · Guest Joined: 09 Apr 2008 Posts: 3

I know tanks have to cycle, but the same filter has been in there since the beginning of January. It shouldn't take 3 months for the tank to cycle even with frequent water changes.

linnypoooh · Level 1 Joined: 06 Sep 2006 Posts: 24

I have the same problem!! I know what you're talking about. I have 2 turtles the size of my palm, living in a 10 galloon tank. I change the water once a week, cause it gets muggy and cloudy looking. Sometimes the skin from the shell falls out, so it makes the water look dirty as well. What I've had to do was add more water than I usually do, and just clean out the filter.

Unfortunately, the filters we both are using isnt the appropriate one. They said that we're suppose to be using the Fluval?? Costs around 30 bucks, its an internal one and is made for turtle tanks. Try that! I also bought the bottle for the turtle waste as well~ doesnt work! It just makes the water cloudy looking. Does that help you??