Habitat - Indoor :: Dechlorinator

[TNTurtles]

I have one week of classes left and then finals (woot!) and when i go home i have these massive rubbermaid tubs that i use to stuff all my clothes in for college. Once I've unpacked I was thinking of using it for a turtle tank. Do these hold water pretty well, i know they aren't made to but it would give both of them more than enough room to swim and grow (better than my 10 gallon now).

If i do go with this I would need a good amount of dechlorinator for the water. Now the stuff i use now is in a small bottle where you put 8 drops per gallon. Since it is a small tank, it never bothered me to sit there and count the drops. But in something bigger it would get quite annoying. Is there something in a bigger bottle or jug that i could use? What is it called and where can i get it?

I would also need a bigger filter and a water heater. i know ive asked this before but i cant find the old thread. If the rubbermaid would be 33 gallons can i get some recommendations for yall on the best stuff. Would it be better to just use the one i have which is for 2-10 gallons(the pet store guy told me it would be enough when i bought them lol) and just buy a 2nd one too. Since i have plenty of refills still for the old one.

[steve]

Rubbermaids hold water pretty well, but cannot maintain high water levels without reinforcement. Without any extra support, it should only be filled about half-way or they will bow-out and become unstable. It will also eventually develop cracks, so check it regularly.

If you have good tap where you are, then I would only use a de-chlorinator if you are using bio-media with your filter. Chlorine would kill the bacteria in the bio-media. If your turtle becomes irritated from it (like rubbing his eyes) then I'd use a de-chlorinator. I've used a Fluval 304 and a Stealth heater for my old Rubbermaid setup - but look into an XP3.

[TNTurtles]

its kind of weird that you mentioned rubbing eyes b/c one of my turtles just started rubbing his eyes today. I just did a full water change yesterday and my filter contains a mechanical, chemical, and biological (Bio-foam) filter. I didn't have time to count out the dechlorinator drops at that time so i just squirted some in there. I'm pretty sure I put more than enough for the water level. Do you think I didn't put enough in or can too much irritate the eyes too? He is blinking alot and rubbing at his eyes. Other than that his eyes are open and very clear.

[steve]

What brand/kind of dechlorinator are you using? It does take a few minutes for it work, is his eyes still irritated?

[TNTurtles]

exo-terra aquatize conditioner
-removes chlorine and chloramine
-neutralizes heavy metals
-stimulates slime coat development in amphibians and fish

Well he wasn't rubbing his eyes last night too much but i noticed it more this morning and today. I tried putting eye drops in b/c i didn't know what was going on. He would swim around with his eyes closed for just a couple seconds, then open them, then rub them a bit, blink one, blink the other...doing this almost all day. So, i changed the water again tonight and counted out the drops. I hope this fixes it.

The other turtle doesn't seem to be bothered by it but he basked alot today (maybe b/c he didn't like the water either).

[steve]

You could probably skip the eye drops. I would add the conditioner into the water in a separate container and let it sit for a few hours.

[TNTurtles]

the biggest thing in my dorm room that i have for it to "sit" in is the 1 gallon jug i use to fill it from the faucet or the tank itself. I just hope he is better by tomorrow. Maybe ill try adding just a little bit more drops.

[TNTurtles]

This is a "turtle" filter...do you think it would be good enough? Usually things that say its for turtles aren't adequate. I would need it for a 33 gallon tub.

http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_ ... 4441781460

admin edit - url

[steve]

Generally, turtle filters and turtle tanks are inadequate. That Zoomed filter looks pretty small IMHO. For that price, I would get an AquaClear 110.

[TNTurtles]

Ok well i think im going to try letting my water sit for a while before i use it. Ive heard the chlorine and stuff will eventually evaporate.

1. How long should i let it sit before it evaporates?
2. Should i still put decholinator in there?
3. Will it start growing algae without a filter?
4. Should i sit it in the sun or shade?

[fishandcandy]

1. I believe it needs to sit about 24 hours.

2. No.

3. Do you mean when the water is sitting? Clean tap water shouldn't grow algae.

4. Shade.

[TNTurtles]

ok thanks! =)

[steve]

Tap water may contain either chlorine or chloramine. Chlorine evaporates in 24hrs. Chloramine does not evaporate and you will need a conditioner to remove it. Is there a way you can find out whats in your tap water?

[TNTurtles]

im sure i could find someone to ask when i get home from college. I moved to a small small small town so i'm sure they can show me some southern hospitality. =)