Turtle Tank Ammonia: What You Need To Know

If your turtle tank is filled with ammonia, it could be due to a variety of reasons. Ammonia is formed as waste products in the tank break down. This can be harmful to turtles even at low levels. One possible reason for high ammonia levels is that your tank is too small for your turtle, leading to a higher concentration of waste products. Another reason could be that you are not cleaning your tank frequently enough, allowing waste products to build up. Additionally, if you have recently cleaned your filter or washed the bio media with regular water instead of tank water, you may have washed away the good bacteria that break down ammonia into less harmful chemicals. To reduce ammonia levels, you can try adding a filter, performing more frequent water changes, or using products like ammonia remover or water conditioner.

Turtle tank filters

Turtles are messy creatures, and their tanks can quickly become filled with ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites. To keep your turtle healthy, it is important to maintain good water quality and cleanliness. Here are some tips and recommendations for choosing and using filters to achieve this:

Types of Filters

There are several types of filters available for turtle tanks, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

• Canister filters are considered the best option for turtle tanks. They have large reservoirs that provide ample space for filter media, such as sponges, ceramic rings, carbon, or other media types. Canister filters are installed outside the tank, saving space, and are easy to maintain. They work by pumping water from the tank into the canister, where it passes through the filter media before being pumped back into the tank.
• Internal filters are submerged in the tank water and come in various sizes. They are more practical for smaller tanks or tanks with extra space, as they take up room that could otherwise be used by the turtle.
• Hang-on-the-back (HOB) filters are commonly used for tropical and saltwater fish aquariums. They hang on the back of the tank and are simple to clean. However, they have limited space for filter media and require the tank to be filled almost completely to avoid loud operation.

Choosing the Right Filter

When choosing a filter for your turtle tank, consider the following:

• Flow rate: The filter should cycle the water in the tank 6 to 8 times per hour. This is much higher than the rate suggested for fish tanks because turtles produce more waste.
• Filter size: Choose a filter rated for two to three times the size of your turtle tank. For example, if you have a 20-gallon tank, select a filter rated for 60 gallons.
• Filtration levels: Filters with multiple levels for removing waste matter and by-products, such as mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration, are recommended.
• Ease of maintenance: Look for a filter that is easy to clean and maintain, with quick-release hosing, self-priming, and bend-proof tubing.
• Noise level: Some filters can be noisy, especially if your water level is low, which is typical for turtle tanks.
• Cost: Filters can range from budget-friendly options that may lack certain features to premium filters that are more expensive but offer greater efficiency, quieter operation, and easier maintenance.

Filter Maintenance

To ensure the effectiveness of your turtle tank filter, proper maintenance is key:

• Cleaning schedule: Clean your filter every one to three months, depending on your water conditions.
• Water changes: Perform partial water changes of 25%-50% every two to four weeks to reduce the build-up of nitrates. For high ammonia levels, consider more frequent water changes until the levels normalize.
• Beneficial bacteria: Avoid removing too much water or turning off the filter for extended periods, as this can kill beneficial bacteria that rely on oxygenated water flowing through the filter.
• Filter media: Consider using different types of filter media, such as course sponges, fine sponges, biological media (e.g., ceramic rings, sintered glass, or bio balls), and carbon or activated carbon.

Product Recommendations

• Fluval FX series (premium): Powerful, spacious, quiet, and efficient.
• Polar Aurora HV304B (budget): A solid canister filter at a low price.
• Turtle Clean 318 (budget): Ideal for small turtles and tanks up to 10-20 gallons.
• Zoo Med Turtle Canister Tank Filter (premium): Suitable for turtle tanks.
• Tetra ReptoFilter Aquarium Filter (budget): A popular and effective option for turtle tanks.
• PULACO Aquarium Internal Filter (budget): Suitable for turtle tanks ranging from 3 to 20 gallons.

Nitrogen cycle

The nitrogen cycle is a biological process that breaks down nitrogenous waste in a turtle tank. It is important to understand this process to prevent your turtle from swimming in toxifying water.

The nitrogen cycle involves the presence of an active biological filter consisting of beneficial bacteria that break down nitrogenous aquatic animal wastes. When turtles defecate in their tank or leave food uneaten, these things rot and break down, releasing ammonia into the water. Ammonia is extremely toxic to marine life. Turtles are not as susceptible as fish and other marine animals since they spend time out of the water, but over time, the ammonia will negatively impact their health.

A healthy nitrogen cycle means that colonies of bacteria have been established to break down the ammonia into nitrite and then into nitrate. Nitrate is significantly less toxic than ammonia and can be managed with partial water changes. Plants in the tank can also help to "eat up" the nitrate content.

To start the nitrogen cycle in a new turtle tank, you can add a small amount of turtle food or household ammonia to the water. Within a couple of days, you should see a hike in ammonia levels, followed by a corresponding increase in nitrite levels as the bacteria begin to process the ammonia. Once you see a spike in nitrate levels and a decline in ammonia and nitrite levels, the tank is considered fully cycled. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

During the cycling process, it is important to monitor the water chemistry several times a day, especially if you have already introduced your turtle to the tank. If ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate levels get too high, you may need to siphon off and replace a portion of the water with fresh water to reduce the toxicity.

Water changes

Partial Water Changes

Partial water changes involve removing a portion of the water and replacing it with fresh water. This helps to remove and dilute waste products, such as ammonia, and maintain good water quality. The frequency of partial water changes can vary from weekly to two to three times a week, depending on the specific circumstances of your turtle and tank setup. It is recommended to use a gravel vacuum or a siphon to make the water change process easier and more efficient. Remember never to prime a siphon by mouth due to the risk of salmonella contamination.

Complete Water Changes

If the ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate levels in your turtle tank are too high, it is necessary to do a complete water change. This involves draining all the water and replacing it with fresh water. It is important to monitor the levels of these waste products using test kits available at pet stores. Follow the directions included with the kits, as they will provide information on safe and dangerous levels of each chemical.

Feeding Outside the Tank

One way to reduce the amount of waste in the tank is to feed your turtle outside of it. You can use a separate container, such as a small plastic tub or storage container, for feeding. Using water from the tank can help maintain the right temperature for your turtle. After feeding, replace the water taken out with fresh water, effectively doing a partial water change with each feeding. This method reduces the amount of excess food decaying in the tank and also minimizes the amount of turtle waste, as turtles often defecate shortly after eating.

Tank Size

The size of your turtle tank also plays a role in water changes. In a larger tank, waste products are more diluted, and partial water changes are often sufficient to maintain good water quality. A general guideline is to provide 10 gallons of water per inch of turtle. For example, if you have a 20-gallon tank, choose a filter rated for 60 gallons.

Filter Choice

The type of filter you use in your turtle tank is another important consideration. It is recommended to choose a filter rated for two to three times the size of your turtle tank. For example, if you have a 40-gallon tank, select a filter rated for 75-120 gallons. Look for filters that offer multiple levels of waste removal, such as mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration. Additionally, ensure that your filter includes ceramic rings or stars, which provide a surface for beneficial bacteria to grow and break down ammonia and nitrites into less harmful chemicals.

Ammonia removers

Ammonia is a common problem in turtle tanks, and there are several ways to remove it. Ammonia is formed as waste products in the tank break down, and it can be toxic and irritating to turtles, even at low levels. Here are some methods to reduce and remove ammonia from your turtle tank:

Water Changes:

• Regular partial water changes are essential to maintaining good water quality. The frequency of water changes depends on factors such as the size of your turtle, the tank size, the filter used, and whether you feed your turtle inside the tank.
• Partial water changes can be done weekly or even two to three times a week if necessary. A general guideline is to change 25% of the water once a week to keep ammonia levels in check.
• For high ammonia levels, it is recommended to do larger water changes of around 30% to 50% and to do them more frequently, about two to three times a week, until the ammonia levels come down.

Ammonia-Removing Products:

• There are specific products available to help remove ammonia from turtle tanks. These include ammonia neutralizers or binders, such as zeolite, which can be used as a filter media to pull out ammonia.
• Seachem Prime is a popular product that binds ammonia, making it harmless to turtles, but it does not remove it from the water. It prolongs the cycling process and can be used every two days to keep your turtle safe until the tank cycles again.
• Tetra Safe Start is another recommended product to help boost the nitrogen cycle and control ammonia.

Filtration:

• A good filtration system is crucial for maintaining water quality and removing waste products like ammonia. Choose a filter rated for two to three times the size of your turtle tank. For example, if you have a 20-gallon tank, select a filter rated for 60 gallons.
• Mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration methods can be used together to ensure effective waste removal.
• Regularly clean your filters to ensure they are working optimally.

Beneficial Bacteria:

• Beneficial bacteria play a vital role in breaking down ammonia into less toxic compounds. These bacteria grow in the tank and filters as the tank becomes established.
• Beneficial bacteria starters, such as Tetra Safe Start, can be added directly to the filter to accelerate the nitrogen cycle and reduce ammonia levels.
• Be cautious when cleaning your tank, as excessive cleaning or large water changes can disrupt the nitrogen cycle and reduce beneficial bacteria populations.

Plants:

• Adding live plants to your turtle tank can help improve water quality and reduce ammonia levels. Salvinia Minima is a plant species that is known to assist with ammonia removal.
• Other recommended plants include Pothos, Java fern, pennywort (dollarweed), and certain species of ferns. These plants can be added directly to the filter or placed in the tank.

Tank Size:

• A larger tank makes it easier to maintain water quality and cleanliness. In a bigger tank, waste matter and its by-products become diluted, and partial water changes are more practical.
• A general guideline is to provide 10 gallons of water per inch of turtle.

Feed Outside the Tank:

• Feeding your turtle in a separate container can help reduce waste accumulation in the main tank. Use a smaller plastic tub or storage container with water from the tank to match the temperature.
• After feeding, replace the water taken out with fresh water, which counts as a partial water change.
• This method reduces the amount of excess food decaying in the tank and the amount of turtle waste, as turtles often defecate shortly after eating.

Turtle feeding

Turtle tanks can become filled with ammonia due to waste products in the tank breaking down. Ammonia is potentially toxic and can be irritating to turtles even at low levels. As a tank becomes established, beneficial bacteria grow in the tank and filters. Some bacteria break down ammonia into toxic nitrites, which are then converted by other bacteria into less harmful nitrates. These are then controlled by water changes. Before this "nitrogen cycle" becomes established (or if it is upset in an older tank), levels of harmful by-products or the bacteria that use them can spike, causing problems such as cloudy water.

To prevent ammonia buildup, it is important to feed your turtle a healthy and balanced diet. Turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and plants. The right diet for your turtle depends on their size, species, age, and habitat.

• Feed an adult turtle once every day or two, and a juvenile one to two times a day. The frequency of feedings can vary depending on the species.
• Feed aquatic turtles underwater, placing food in their water tank. For land turtles, place food on a flat, hard surface like a rock or grass.
• Feed your turtle a combination of pellets, vegetables, and a protein source.
• Pellets, or "staple food", should make up the majority of your turtle's diet (around 75%).
• Feed turtles vegetables such as dark, leafy greens like collards, dandelions, and mustard greens. Avoid vegetables with high levels of oxalates, such as chives, parsley, and spinach.
• Feed turtles fruits such as apples, cantaloupe, bananas, berries, and mangoes. You can also feed them non-toxic aquatic plants like water hyacinth, water lettuce, and duckweed.
• Feed turtles a protein source such as insects, freeze-dried worms, or small live feeder fish.
• Remove any uneaten food from the tank regularly to prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria and algae.
• To prevent overfeeding, only feed your turtle as much as they can eat in about 20 minutes, and then remove any leftovers.
• Feed turtles in a separate container to reduce the amount of waste in the tank. You can use a smaller plastic tub or storage container with water from the tank to ensure the water temperature is warm enough.

Frequently asked questions