Habitat - Indoor :: Is testing water quality a necessity?

[kidzncatz]

In the 2 plus years I have had Tubby, my water has been very clean (visually, and not stinky) and it has never been tested. It honestly never occurred to me or my husband to test it when it seemed fine, particularly since turtles don't "breathe" the water. When my husband had his salt water acquarium the testing was exhaustive- it was always something with the nitrites (or is it nitrates??), the ammonia, you name it. Needless to say his foray into saltwater tanks ended after about a year (I cried over the loss of too many delicate & lovely water breathing creatures- he has since moved back to his freshwater "roots".)

ANYWAYS.... I've been reading a lot on the forums about water quality and the testing and have to ask how necessary it is. Do you do it often or only when there seems to be an obvious problem? I thought I was getting pretty well versed on all of this turtle care stuff but am now feeling as if I have neglected an integral part of her care. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance for your responses (I tried the search feature but nothing answered my specific question

[SpotsMama]

I think it's important to test because you can't be sure if you don't that the water quality is really good. Ammonia and nitrites are invisible.

When I was first setting up Spot's new aquarium I put him in it for several days with water but no filter. I was amazed that after only a day or two the ammonia reading went through the roof even though the water looked good.

After filter setup and normal "new tank syndrom" the water quality test readings reverted to excellent for a long time. Just a couple of days ago, however, ammonia and nitrites suddenly tested high. I was shocked. The water still looked good but something had interferred with the bio filter that normally works so well. I had been gradually lowering the ph in the tank over several months and think I finally overdid it and killed off some of the bio filter's bacteria. I immediately brought the ph up just a bit and now the bio filter seems to be revving up again. The readings aren't perfect but they are improving.

The point is I would not have known I had a problem without the testing. Spot could have gotten sick from too much ammonia and nitrite and I wouldn't have know why, therefore wouldn't have known what to do.

[SpotsMama]

By the way, though the turtles don't "breath" water, they drink it and eat in it and their entire bodies are exposed to it, so good quality is very important. They're not as delicate as the fish, but you want a stong, healthy turtle, don't you?

[kidzncatz]

By the way, though the turtles don't "breath" water, they drink it and eat in it and their entire bodies are exposed to it, so good quality is very important. They're not as delicate as the fish, but you want a stong, healthy turtle, don't you?

Of course I do! I am of the mindset that once you take over care for another living thing you have to go "all in" (meaning you do the absolute best you know how to do for that creature for the duration of your time together.) That's why I'm always stalking you guys with questions and searching the forums- I MUST know it all

It just honestly never occurred to either my husband or myself to test the water. Now that I know, I'll have my hubby get a test kit & test the water tomorrow. Thank you for your response!

[SpotsMama]

Hooray for you! Tubby has great parents!

I see your expanding your household even more in February. Congratulations!

[kidzncatz]

Hooray for you! Tubby has great parents!

I see your expanding your household even more in February. Congratulations!

Thank you! I honestly had no idea what we had in store when I rescued her from the flea market but I cannot imagine life without her

And thank you again... yes, that's part of the reason I've been making sure I really *know* my stuff so I can enlist the help of my husband and my older son more. Just by virtue of being MOM I have I tendency to take care of everyone in the house and it's taken this pregnancy for me to realize I need to DELEGATE!!!

Thanks again for the advice and the kind words

[kidzncatz]

Oh duh! I was just reading through all of the great info (newly formatted, if I'm not mistaken) and happened upon this...

"Testing and treatment- Fundamentally, water should be tested for ammonia, hardness, nitrites and nitrates, and pH levels and treated for chlorine and chloramine. Various test kits and treatments are available and it is recommended you do further research for your particular needs."

Thank you for kindly answering my question any way!

[SpotsMama]

You're Welcome!

The RES are lovable little creatures aren't they. I never ever ever thought I'd love a reptile! But Spot's part of the household.