General Care Discussion :: Cycling a Turtle Tank?

[Ty13]

Haven't been on in awhile. I'm planning on starting up another turtle tank (gave my other one away) but I was just wondering whether or not I have to cycle the tank like I do for fish. I know I didn't on my other tank but I didn't know about the nitrogen cycle then. So is it necissary to do this?

[Daniel3507]

its best to cycle the tank but i dont think you absolutely have too. i know when i set up my tank i had some rosy reds in there for awhile before i actually added my turtle.

[SpotsMama]

I don't think you'll have a choice! When you first introduce turtle(s) and/or fish to a new tank and filter, the ammonia level goes up as the turtle/fish produce waste. A set of nitrifying bacteria that are normally present in the air begin neutralizing the ammonia. The bacteria population explodes in the presence of abundant ammonia, turning the water a cloudy white. When the bacteria have consumed the excess ammonia, the water clears. Populations of the nitrifying bacteria become established on surfaces and in the biofilter and they neutralize new ammonia as it is produced. This process is cycling and it's natural and beneficial.

Some people speed up the process by putting purchased bacteria colonies in the tank or filter at the beginning of the process. That's ok to do but it isn't essential - the cycling will happen anyway.

I added the purchased bacteria to my new tank and also let the turtle stay in it for about a day to start the cycling, then took him out until the water cleared. Again, not essential to do this with a turtle as they can tolerate the cloudy water for a short time without ill effects.

[mat012]

No you should be fine. Turtles are more tolerant of poor chemistry than fish. Do keep up with the water changes though and watch for rising ammonia/nitr levels. Do more frequent water changes when the levels get high.

[PcBuilder14]

I never did.