JacobAndBri Posted January 7, 2022 Share Posted January 7, 2022 Hi all, I am about to be a new turtle mama. In the research I've done, people don't seem too caught up into the water parameters for turtles. It seems that temperature is the main concern there. I understand that turtles create alot of waste and need high filtration but the NERM in me needs more information! The Setup: 20g long tank, filled with about 4 inches of water. Filtration is an AquaClear hang on back thats rated for 70-80 gallons. Heater is set to 78 but is adjustable. Dual basking lamp using ReptiTuff and ReptiSun bulbs. Substrate is sand, some sphagnum moss and leaves that I boiled. LOTS of terrestrial plants as well as Brazilian Pennywort and a Red Tiger Lotus in those good good planter rocks. Hardscape was collected from a nearby creek, but washed and boiled. So far some unidentified (probably pondies) snails have been established and I plan to introduce an Endler trio. I am adding Easy Green and some root tabs on occasion. My Current Water Parameters: (Using AquariumCoOp Test Strips) pH: 6.8 GH: 300 KH: 80 Nitrate: 10 Nitrite: 0 Ammonia: 0 I know that my water is pretty hard (probably from the rocks?) but, didn't figure that was anything too concerning. Am I wrong? I know to monitor my pH, especially for the fish. Any other thoughts on water parameters for turtle tanks? My only other question is, do you guys think its possible that my leaves/botanicals could lead to any fungal infections or issues? There is some mulmy, kinda clear algae on some that I've seen. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Native Keeper Posted January 7, 2022 Share Posted January 7, 2022 What species of turtle? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BETTA999 Posted January 7, 2022 Share Posted January 7, 2022 normaly turtel like hard water for the shell but it also depends on the type Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JacobAndBri Posted January 7, 2022 Author Share Posted January 7, 2022 On 1/7/2022 at 7:07 AM, HydraSlayer said: What species of turtle? I'm getting a Three Striped Mud Turtle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Native Keeper Posted January 7, 2022 Share Posted January 7, 2022 @BriAndJacob, since that's an American species, I would recommend alkaline hard water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JacobAndBri Posted January 8, 2022 Author Share Posted January 8, 2022 @HydraSlayer my KH could definitely be higher, so I'll work on that. Will the alkalinity effect the Endlers much, ya think? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Native Keeper Posted January 8, 2022 Share Posted January 8, 2022 from what I understand, Endlers love alkiline water, just make sure to make param change gradual, not instantaneous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JacobAndBri Posted January 8, 2022 Author Share Posted January 8, 2022 @HydraSlayer thank you! will do. This is all before the actual animals are in there so, glad I have time to get it stable and adjust. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PedroPete Posted January 9, 2022 Share Posted January 9, 2022 Nice scape! I'm sure your new turtle will do some redecorating, but I'll bet it will love the habitat. How big and old is it currently? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott the fishman Posted January 9, 2022 Share Posted January 9, 2022 i love your scape. glad folks here are reaching out here. you are in the right place great ppl here to help you with questions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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