General Care Discussion :: chlorine or no chlorine

[jonreif]

I like to think I can trust a vet that claims to know turtles however they have recomended that I not treat my RES water for chlorine as they feel it is a benifit to have some in the water as it will kill bacteria.

now i know this is oppisite to any type of setup as you want the good bacteria to destroy the bad

they say the limited chlorine in tap water wont hurt a turtle and she may if anything just squint her eyes untill she is useto the chlorine.

Any long time keepers have a opinion on what I been told

Just want a happy and healthy turtle and it seems opinions differ greatly even contadict on many aspects of care, so... Id like a informed decision on chlorine

thanks in advance

Jon

[mikee]

Jon-re -- Think about the logic of chlorine killing the “bad” bacteria and not killing the “good” bacteria. If there is enough it will destroy your bacteria in the tank and your media. I use RO, some distilled and soft water for that reason. I agree that the average chlorinated water will not do much to harm your turtle but, in my opinion, it is not good for the bacteria needed to help “balance” the environment in the tank. I hope you heard the “vet” correctly. I am sure there will be other opinions on this subject. m.

[Diamondbacks4Life]

I say it really depends. My water contains very little chlorine and its nothing to really worry about. Other places have water loaded with chlorine and you can smell and taste it. If its that strong then i would look into dechlorinator.

It doesnt kill my wild fish so i dont bother.

[marisa]

If you're running a filter that contains biomedia, the chlorine will kill off the beneficial bacteria that colonize on it when you change the water.

Chlorine does not remain in the water, but dissipates after about 24 hours, so eventually it will leave the tank water (so unless the tank water is being added to daily, I'm not sure how much "protection" your turtle is getting). But, the beneficial bacteria will have to start colonizing all over again until the next cleaning. (You can, of course, jump start the process, but for me, why do it when you don't have to.) And so the cycle continues...

HOWEVER, if your water is being treated with chloramine (which is increasingly being used to treat municipal water), I've read only that it doesn't dissipate, but remains in the water. For that reason, I'd use a dechlorinator that eliminates it (most eliminate both). You can find out what your water is treated with by contacting your municipal water dept.

As far as eliminating bacteria, I think the best thing to do is to have a good filter and do regular partial water changes and regular cleanings.

[jonreif]

thanks to all who reply, I think Ill use the chlorine remover to be on the safe side

[thegrandpoohbah]

I stopped using dechlorinator ages ago and have not had any problems. When you are only doing 25% waterchanges the amount of chlorine is negligible. The real problem would be if your city used chloramine to treat the water supply as that breaks down and releases ammonia.

[gaevwa]

I stopped using dechlorinator ages ago and have not had any problems. When you are only doing 25% waterchanges the amount of chlorine is negligible. The real problem would be if your city used chloramine to treat the water supply as that breaks down and releases ammonia.

I agree with thegrandpoohbah, I only do 20~25% water change so I think it's negligible.