We have a red eared slider in a 20 gal. turtle tank. The filter says it can be used for tanks up to 25 gallons. We change the filter cartridges weekly, yet the water becomes cloudy after only 5 days. Any suggestions on how to keep the water clean longer?
2007-02-22 06:22:22 · 4 answers · asked by cass 3 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
there is absolutly NO need to change the filters that often. and actually that may be whats causing the water to become cloudy, its called new tank syndrome and will clear up in 1-2 weeks. leave it be! the way you can keep it clean is by taking 25% of the old water out and putting 25% new water in once a week. you can also get a calcium waste emliminator stone... they are shaped like turtles and help the water out. the cartridges should be changed aboout 1-3 months. id say keep it at three. you just throw off the water chemistry when you change it that much.
2007-02-22 06:27:49 · answer #1 · answered by Twilite 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The tank size suggestion for filters are for fish tanks. Turtles are VERY messy, you need a more powerful filter... Canister filters are supposed to be the best, but if you want an in-tank filter I suggest a fluval. This is getting dangerously close to fish-related stuff (which I know nothing about), but the water may be getting cloudy because it doesn't have a chance to cycle properly. The tank water needs to reach a chemical/biological equilibrium, and if you change everything out too often, it has to start over every time.
2007-02-22 15:59:04 · answer #2 · answered by snake_girl85 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should not be changing the filter that often, it can mess with the tank ecosystem. My tank will usually get cloudy after I change the filter, in a few hours it usually clears up. You did not state how long this problem has been going on, and whether or not it happened suddenly, or if you got a new filter, etc. My thoughts are that maybe your filter is defective? My filter has a mesh, a carbon packet, and ceramic media. If your filter uses those you may want to refer to your manufacturer's directions to make sure you have them installed correctly.
2007-02-22 14:54:44 · answer #3 · answered by paganfroglady 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should get an under water filter, i use one for my water snake, water dragon and fire belly toads.
2007-02-22 18:28:05 · answer #4 · answered by FGH 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋