Water Hygiene and Sanitation

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The water level provided should be at least as deep as the turtle

is long, preferably several times this measure.  Tap water is

acceptable provided it is allowed to stand undisturbed for at

least 48 hours before the turtle is introduced.  This is

necessary for the water to become free of chlorine and

chloramines.  Water treatment systems sold at pet shops that are

recommended for tropical fish may also be used to remove these

chemicals from city water.



Sometimes unfavorable local conditions can make tap water

unusable.  The high iron content or fluoridation procedures of

certain water supplies can be harmful to water turtles.



Bottled water is probably safest for delicate water turtles and

for species whose actual aquatic requirements are unknown.

Brackish water can be approximated for species that require it

(such as the Diamondback Terrapin) by adding 1 tbsp of uniodized

salt to each gallon of water.



In the wild, the relatively large bodies of water in which

turtles live tend to reduce the concentration of waste products

and uneaten food.  Consequently, free-living water turtles are

rarely affected by the decomposition and bacterial proliferation

that inevitably follow.  This is not the case with captive water

turtles.  Because of the relatively small water volumes of

aquariums and ponds, these limited enclosures tend to

concentrate waste material.  This represents a potential hazard

for the turtles because disease-causing microorganisms that feed

on this material also multiply.  Water turtles, therefore, live

in a soup of potentially harmful microbes, and disease is an

ever-present threat if sanitation is poor.



Every effort should be made to prevent soiling of the

environment.  All fecal matter should be netted or siphoned away

as soon as possible.  Water turtles should be fed in an

environment separate from their living environment to reduce

contamination of the water.  A small aquarium, hard plastic

dishpan, or even a bucket works well in this capacity.



A filtration system is necessary to maintain optimum water

quality.  Undergravel filters work best, except when

soft-shelled turtles are housed in an enclosure.  This type of

turtle tends to continually stir up the bottom material.  Outside

filters are efficient, provide high flow rates, and are

relatively easy to clean.  The corner filters routinely used with

tropical fish are not as effective or useful when used with water

turtles.



Adding small amounts of vinegar to maintain a water pH of 6.0-6.5

(slightly acidic) may help keep bacterial counts low.  One

teaspoonful of non-iodized (aquarium or rock) salt added per

gallon of aquarium water may also help in this capacity.



At least once monthly, the water turtle's enclosure should be

entirely dismantled (including the filtration system) and

thoroughly cleaned.  It is not practical to maintain this

cleaning schedule with ponds and other large enclosures.  These

should be cleaned at least every 3-6 months.