I have had my two RES (approx 5", 55 gal tank) for over a year, and have never had a problem with their water. For the last 2 months, the water has been getting very cloudy. I've changed filters, done frequent water changes (approx 75%) and even tried the "Turtle Clean" additive to add beneficial bacteria to the tank, but nothing has helped. Any ideas?
This sounds like is a bacteria bloom. You can look that up by searching the forum.
The spikes in ammonia that are provoking bacteria bloom are mostly harmless, but are caused by full water changes. The turtle clean is actually promoting the cloudiness. Do 20% water changes every 2 or 3 days until the water clears up.
rj-f It sounds like the turtles have over grown their tank. The two should have at least a 100 gallon tank. They may have out grown their filter also. The rules of the road are, 10gallons of water per inch of carapace and filter water volume exchange of at least 5 times the water volume of water you are trying to filter. It may be up grade time. m.
Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 9:28 pm cloudy water