Effective Ways To Reduce Nitrates In Your Turtle Tank

Nitrates are a common problem for turtle tank and aquarium owners, as they can build up to toxic levels and harm aquatic life. Nitrates are a natural byproduct of the nitrogen cycle in the tank, and while they are not as directly lethal as ammonia or nitrite, high levels of nitrates can be harmful to turtles and fish. To lower nitrates in a turtle tank, you can try several methods, including regular water changes, adding live plants, using a biological filter, and reducing the amount of food given to your turtle.

Regular water changes

Firstly, determine the nitrate level in your turtle tank by testing the water with a test kit. This will help you understand the severity of the issue and monitor the nitrate levels as you implement changes. The ideal nitrate level for most turtle tanks should be less than 40 parts per million (ppm), and levels above 100 ppm can be harmful to your turtles.

Once you know the nitrate level, you can start performing regular water changes. Aim to change 10% to 25% of the water in your tank every week, or more frequently if necessary. For example, if you have consistently high nitrate levels, you may need to change 20% of the water twice a week. Remember to use a gravel vacuum during water changes to remove any debris or waste from the substrate, as this will help further reduce nitrates and improve water quality.

If your tap water contains high levels of nitrates, consider using alternative water sources such as clean collected rainwater, RO (reverse osmosis) water, or deionized water (DI). You can also mix your tap water with RO or DI water to create a blend with acceptable nitrate levels.

It's important to note that performing large water changes can be stressful for your turtles, so it's best to make gradual changes and monitor your turtles' behaviour. Additionally, remember to adjust the pH of the new water to match the pH of your turtle tank before adding it to avoid pH shock, which can be harmful to your turtles.

By following these steps and maintaining a regular water change routine, you can effectively lower nitrates in your turtle tank and create a healthy environment for your turtles to thrive in.

Add live plants

Live plants are a great natural way to lower nitrate levels in a turtle tank. They utilise nitrate and help keep levels lower. However, if nitrate levels rise faster than the plants can use them, even the plants can become overgrown with algae, ultimately leading to their asphyxiation and demise.

Fast-growing plants are best for lowering nitrate levels. Examples include:

• Hornwort
• Duckweed
• Salvinia
• Water Spangles
• Wisteria
• Java Moss
• Water Sprite
• Pogostemon stellatus

If you are using a floating plant, be aware that it will need to be in a low-flow area of the tank.

If you are keeping your turtle tank heavily planted, you will need to feed your turtles sparingly. Make sure they finish their food in two minutes or less. Instead of feeding your turtles one large amount of food once a day, try feeding them smaller amounts two or three times a day.

Use a biological filter

Biological filters are an effective way to lower nitrates in a turtle tank. They work by using beneficial bacteria to break down harmful organic components into harmless ones. The bacteria in the filter medium convert ammonia into nitrite and then into nitrate. While ammonia and nitrite are highly toxic to turtles, nitrates are much less so. However, as nitrates accumulate, they can eventually affect your turtle.

To increase your biological filtration, you can add biological filtration media to your filters, such as ceramic rings or bio balls. These products increase the surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow on, which will reduce the amount of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in your turtle tank.

When choosing a biological filter, look for one with a high flow rate. The flow rate should be 6-8+ times the amount of water in the tank per hour. Canister filters are often recommended as they have large reservoirs with lots of room for filter media. They are also easy to maintain and can be installed outside the tank, saving space.

It's important to regularly clean your biological filter to ensure it continues to work effectively. Cleaning your filter will also prevent it from becoming clogged, which can reduce the oxygen supply to the beneficial bacteria, causing them to die off. Aim to clean your filter at least once a month and whenever you change the water in your turtle tank.

In addition to using a biological filter, you can also help to lower nitrates in your turtle tank by performing regular water changes, adding live plants, and maintaining a healthy diet for your turtle.

Don't overfeed your turtles

Overfeeding is the number-one cause of high nitrate levels in turtle tanks. When turtles are fed too much, they produce more waste, and any food that isn't eaten will rot and produce even more waste. This waste builds up and releases nitrates into the water, leading to high nitrate levels.

To avoid this, it is important to feed your turtles sparingly and make sure they finish their food in two minutes or less. Instead of feeding them a large amount of food once a day, try feeding them smaller amounts two or three times a day. It is also a good idea to remove any uneaten food after each feeding to prevent it from decaying and causing further nitrate buildup.

By implementing these simple yet effective methods, you can successfully lower nitrates and maintain a healthier aquatic environment for your turtles.

Other Ways to Lower Nitrates in Turtle Tanks

In addition to not overfeeding your turtles, there are several other ways to lower nitrates in their tank:

• Regular water changes: Perform regular water changes with water that has little to no nitrates. Consider using deionized water (DI) or reverse osmosis water (RO) if your local tap or well water has high nitrate levels.
• Live plants: Add live plants to the tank, as they absorb nitrates and help keep levels lower.
• Filter media: Use a nitrate-lowering media in your filter to pull nitrates out of the water.
• Separate tank for plants: If your turtles are likely to trash plants, consider keeping them in a separate tank or tub that the water flows through.

Use rainwater or buy RO water

If you're looking to lower the nitrate levels in your turtle tank, one effective solution is to use rainwater or buy RO (reverse-osmosis) water. Here's a detailed guide on why and how to implement this approach:

Nitrate levels in tap water can vary, and in some cases, may be too high for your turtle tank. By using rainwater or RO water, you can ensure that you're starting with a water source that has little to no nitrates. This is especially important if you're noticing that your turtles are showing signs of nitrate poisoning, such as lethargy, open sores, or red blotches on their skin. Additionally, tap water may contain chlorine and chloramine, which can be irritating to turtles and detrimental to the beneficial bacteria in the tank.

Collecting and Storing Rainwater

To collect rainwater, you can use a plastic bucket, bin, or jerrycan. It's important to collect rainwater as it falls from the sky, rather than letting it stand for a long time. Store the collected rainwater in a dark place until you need to use it. If you're using a hose to collect rainwater from a rainwater butt, ensure that the hose is not connected directly to the mains water supply, as this could introduce nitrates and other contaminants.

Buying RO Water

If collecting rainwater is not feasible or practical for you, you can purchase RO water. RO water has been purified through a reverse-osmosis process, which removes impurities, including nitrates. Look for a reputable source of RO water, such as a specialized store or supplier.

Implementing Water Changes

Once you have your rainwater or RO water, it's time to perform water changes in your turtle tank. Aim to change 10-20% of the water in your tank every week or once every two to three weeks. If your nitrate levels are consistently high, you may need to increase the frequency and volume of water changes.

Other Considerations

While using rainwater or RO water is a great step towards lowering nitrates, it's important to combine it with other nitrate-lowering strategies. These can include regular tank maintenance, feeding your turtles outside the tank, using gravel vacuums to remove debris, and adding live plants to your tank. Live plants can absorb nitrates, helping to keep the levels in check. Additionally, maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your tank is crucial, as these bacteria play a vital role in breaking down waste products and maintaining water quality.

In summary, using rainwater or buying RO water is a simple yet effective way to lower nitrates in your turtle tank. By providing your turtles with a clean and healthy environment, you're ensuring their well-being and longevity.

Frequently asked questions