Habitat - Indoor :: Water gets green and smelly fast

[kamuzai]

What am I doing wrong? I have a 30g with an 8inch res. I know this is small, but it's all I have. I have a Marineland C160. If I put new water and clean the filter, within two or three days the water will get all green and smelly. It doesn't even give me time for it to cycle. There was a period where the water was crystal clear for 3 months, but I think that is due to the fact that she was smaller back then? Is there nothing I can do except get a bigger tank and filter because the current ones I have are so small for this size of a turtle?

[steve]

The small amount of water will accumulate a lot more waste, providing nutrients to the algae. Light and in-tank feeding will also contribute to the problem.

[devilduck]

I think you answered your own question. Your turtle has outgrown it's tank/filter. If your in the States and live year a Petco, they are offering a $1/gallon tank sale on now. Peruse the indoor habitat forum here for ideas, some people have used kiddie pools and plastic bins in place of common glass tanks.

[Mr.Shenanigans]

I concur, your filter cannot keep up with your turtle. This is called Bacterial die off, once the bacteria is overwhelmed by the nitrogen cycle, the BB dies off and results in exactly what you have witnessed. I recommend a larger tank and a good canister.