I was hoping someone could help me. I've had this tank set up for a few months now and I've had 2 hatchling baby snapping turtles in that time pass away on me. I can't figure it out. I have 2 canister filters and I replace a good amount of the water daily (due to evaporation) so I wouldn't think it's a water quality issue. I also have a few guppies and a snail in the tank that are doing just fine. I have UV and regular lighting and everything is generally very clean and stable in the tank. HOWEVER...I've had 2 baby snappers die in there! The most recent looked super healthy, ate great, and was active until the last day. Then he got all lethargic and hid in the back of the tank until he died. One thing they both shared was that they seemed to be shedding their skin when they passed. They both had pieces of skin falling off, which I thought was normal (didn't look fungal), but maybe its a sign of something else?
I ordered some new water test kits since mine were expired. The last reading I took said the nitrates were high, but I'm not sure if I can trust the old strip tests I had. I don't understand how the nitrates would get that high since I'm replacing/adding water so often. When I do replace water, I use conditioner and if I do a massive tank cleaning I add safestart too. Bacteria cultures seem to be OK, or else the fish would be dying too, right?
The only other thing I can think of is the "lucky bamboo" I have in there. I just read that it could be toxic if ingested, so does anyone have an opinion or experience with that? I'm definitely removing it, but it would be nice to pinpoint the problem here in my tank so I don't have any more baby turtles die on me.
Pics of tank included here. Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide. Cheers!