General Care Discussion :: Water Levels

[clearblack14]

I am interested in what the proper water quality levels for my Painted Turtle should be. I have always tested the water and been fine (0 nitrate, 0 nitrate, 0 chlorine). However I'm not quite sure where the PH level, total alkalinity, and hardness should be. I have done some googling but keep finding varied information. Right now I am testing acidic and very hard. Proper levels and tips on how to get there would be very appreciated!

[ljapa]

There are midland painted turtles in a large pond in my subdivision. The soil here is all clay, which tends to cause a higher Ph.

Of course, some leaves,may well as a few trees get in there. Those will tend to lower the Ph.

Our RES came from this pond. My tap water has a Ph around 7.6-7.8. The hardness is quite high. It's been years since I tested it, so I don't remember the number, but it was big.

So, my RES has done fine for years in that water with no issues other than a decided lack of shedding. I don't think that is due to the water.

If you look at the range for painted turtles, they have to be surviving in waters of various Ph levels and hardness. What I heard when I was asking the same questions was keeping both from fluctuating wildly is better than targeting a specific value. Our turtles aren't fish evolved to live in one localized area. Instead, both the painteds and the RES have evolved to live in a very widespread geographic area.

I'd say go with what you have. Besides, trying to fight the Ph or hardness of your tap water gets very expensive very quickly.

[clearblack14]

Thanks for the input! I was mostly wondering because when I switched his tank over to a larger one he has been acting strange. But I no longer think it has to do with the water. I think I'll start another thread about that. Thanks again!