Turtle Tank Water Loss: Mystery Or Simple Fix?

There are several reasons why a turtle tank may lose water. One of the most common reasons is evaporation, which occurs when there is a substantial difference between the temperature of the water and the air, particularly in warm and dry climates or during the winter when the central heating is on. Other factors that can contribute to evaporation include strong water currents caused by filtration and direct sunlight on the tank. In addition to evaporation, leaks in the tank or filter, a faulty pump, and overfeeding can also lead to water loss. Regular water top-ups, the use of an automatic refilling pump, and addressing the underlying causes are recommended to maintain water levels and water quality in a turtle tank.

Evaporation

To understand why evaporation occurs, let's recall that water evaporates when it is warmed. So, in the case of a turtle tank, the rate of evaporation will generally be quicker when there is a substantial difference between the temperature of the water and the surrounding air. Additionally, dry air and strong water currents caused by filtration can also contribute to increased evaporation rates.

The climate you live in will also play a role. For example, those living in warmer and drier climates may find that their turtle tanks lose water more quickly. Similarly, during the winter months when central heating is typically turned on, the evaporation rate tends to increase.

It is worth noting that only pure water evaporates, leaving behind any other substances present in the water. As a result, regular and significant water loss can impact the chemical balance of the water. Therefore, it is essential to address this issue by frequently topping up the water levels in your turtle tank.

To monitor the rate of evaporation and make it easier to maintain water levels, some turtle keepers place a marker on the exterior of the glass when filling the tank. This simple trick provides a quick visual guide for when it's time to top up the water. When refilling your turtle tank, it is recommended to use dechlorinated water that has been stored at room temperature for a few days. This helps maintain a stable water temperature and avoids any drastic changes in the chemical levels of the water.

If you find yourself frequently topping up the water due to evaporation, it might be helpful to keep a bucket or watering can with room temperature water nearby. Alternatively, you could consider investing in an automatic refilling pump, which uses sensors to detect a drop in the water level and refills it automatically to the required level. This not only makes it easier to maintain the water level but also helps prevent dramatic changes in water chemistry, thus keeping your pet turtle healthy.

Turtle waste

Turtles are messy creatures and produce a lot of waste. Their waste contains high levels of ammonia, which is toxic and must be removed from the water. Turtle waste is one of the main causes of cloudy water in turtle tanks.

The Nitrogen Cycle

The nitrogen cycle is a process that helps to remove ammonia from the water. It involves five steps:

• Ammonia is excreted in turtle urine and faeces, as well as from decomposing, uneaten food.
• Bacteria called Nitrosomas convert ammonia into nitrites, which are still very toxic.
• Another bacteria, Nitrobacter, converts nitrites into nitrates, which are less toxic but can still be harmful if they build up.
• Nitrates are taken up by aquatic plants as fertiliser or removed by water changes.
• The plants are eaten by the turtle, and the cycle begins again.

Reducing Ammonia Levels

To reduce ammonia levels in the water, it is important to have a healthy population of Nitrosomas and Nitrobacter bacteria in the water. This can be achieved by:

• Regular water changes: Replacing 4-10% of the water each week with aged or treated fresh water helps to reduce nitrate concentrations without affecting the nitrogen cycle.
• Filtration: Solid waste and other chemicals need to be removed by filtration. External filters are generally more effective than internal ones. Filters can be mechanical (using a sponge or gauze to remove solid waste), chemical (using activated charcoal to remove chemicals), biological (plastic biospheres coated with Nitrosomas and Nitrobacter bacteria), or a combination of these.
• Aeration: Oxygen enters the water from the air above, and the amount absorbed can be increased by rippling the water surface with air stones and spray bars.
• Feeding habits: Feed your turtle in a separate container to reduce the amount of waste in the water.
• Stocking density: Even one turtle in a tank is a higher density than occurs naturally, so it is important to avoid overcrowding.

Filtration

The water in a turtle tank can evaporate due to a number of factors, including water temperature, air temperature, air dryness, and water current caused by filtration. While water evaporation is a natural process, it can affect the chemical balance of the water. This can be remedied by regularly topping up the water levels.

To maintain a healthy habitat for your turtle, it is important to have an adequate filtration system. Turtles produce a significant amount of waste, and a good filter will help to keep the water clean and free from harmful toxins.

There are three types of filtration: mechanical, biological, and chemical. Mechanical filtration uses filter media such as sponges or filter floss to trap and strain particles from the water. Biological filtration employs beneficial bacteria and flowing water to convert harmful nitrogenous waste into less harmful byproducts. Chemical filtration uses activated carbon to absorb and neutralise certain chemicals, helping to keep the water clear and odour-free.

When choosing a filter, it is recommended to select one that is rated for at least 2-3 times the amount of water in the tank. Canister filters are considered the most powerful and effective option for turtle tanks. It is important to note that turtles require more filtration power than fish, so filters designed for fish tanks may not be sufficient.

Regular maintenance of the filter is crucial to ensure its effectiveness. This includes cleaning the filter at least once a month and replacing the filter media, especially the chemical filter media, at the recommended intervals. Additionally, it is important to change out 25%-50% of the water in the tank every two to four weeks to maintain good water quality.

Temperature

The temperature of a turtle tank and its surrounding environment can influence water loss through evaporation. Evaporation occurs when water is warmed and begins to change from a liquid to a gaseous state. The rate of evaporation is influenced by the temperature difference between the water and the surrounding air, with a higher temperature differential leading to faster evaporation.

For example, in warmer and drier climates, turtle tank owners may notice that their tanks lose water more quickly. Similarly, during winter when central heating is typically turned on, the increased temperature differential can lead to more rapid evaporation.

To mitigate the effects of temperature on water evaporation, it is recommended to maintain a stable temperature for the turtle tank and its surroundings. This can be achieved by ensuring that the tank is not placed too close to a window, as direct sunlight can raise the temperature inside the tank. Additionally, the use of artificial heat sources, such as heating lamps or heat mats, should be carefully monitored and regulated to avoid creating an excessive temperature differential.

It is also worth noting that the ideal temperature for a turtle tank depends on the specific species of turtle being kept. In general, the overall air temperature in the tank should range between 72°F and 77°F, while the water temperature should be slightly cooler, ranging between 70°F and 75°F. The basking area, where turtles raise their internal body temperature, should be several degrees warmer, typically between 75°F and 85°F.

Juvenile turtles have slightly different temperature requirements compared to adults. They generally need warmer temperatures, with all areas of the tank being around 5 degrees higher than those recommended for adults.

To maintain the ideal temperature range in a turtle tank, it is important to use a reliable water heater with a heat guard and adjustable temperature settings. Additionally, the use of an aquarium heater can help regulate water temperatures and prevent excessive water loss due to evaporation caused by high temperatures.

In summary, temperature plays a significant role in water loss from turtle tanks through evaporation. By understanding the ideal temperature ranges for different species of turtles and taking steps to maintain those temperatures, owners can help reduce water loss and provide a healthy environment for their pet turtles.

Aeration

Furthermore, aeration helps to improve water quality by facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air and the water. This exchange is hindered by still water, which is why water movement and circulation are important. Aeration creates ripples on the water surface, increasing the absorption of oxygen into the water.

How to Aerate

There are several ways to aerate a turtle tank:

• Air Pumps: Air pumps are simple devices that can be connected inside the aquarium to pump oxygen into the water. They are not necessary for turtle tanks unless the tank also contains fish or there is an issue with slime build-up.
• Air Stones: Air stones are used to agitate the water and increase the absorption of oxygen. They can also speed up the process of releasing chemicals like chlorine and copper from town water, which can be toxic to turtles.
• Spray Bars: Spray bars are another way to ripple the water surface and increase oxygen absorption.
• Water Circulation: Water circulation, created by strong water filters and waterfalls, helps to move oxygenated water around the tank.
• Surface Area: Increasing the surface area of the aquarium can also improve aeration, as wider or longer tanks provide more opportunity for oxygen to enter the water.

Other Considerations

It is important to note that not all bubbles in the tank are indicative of aeration. Excess bubbles can signal that there is an excess of protein or waste in the water. Additionally, while turtles may enjoy playing with bubbles created by aerators, bubblers, or air stones, this is not always the case, and some turtles may be indifferent.

To maintain a healthy turtle tank, it is crucial to address the issue of aeration in conjunction with other factors, such as water quality, filtration, temperature, and stocking density. By understanding the needs of your turtle and the organisms within its habitat, you can create a healthy and vibrant environment for your pet.

Frequently asked questions