General Care Discussion :: Will water filter, filter out my Turtle Calcium Neutralize?

[Sen5es]

Will a water filter, filter out my Turtle Calcium Neutralizer?

http://www.lnt.com/product/conditioners-...

If it does it'll ruin my water filter in the long run
Also does having one of these help?

[marisa]

When I type in the product you described in the search function, I get several products, one of which is a neutralizer by Wardleys that shows a small white turtle. Is that what you're talking about?

I don't quite understand why you think it will ruin your water filter (what kind of filter are you using, btw?), but it is a waste of your money. The calcium in it is unlikely to be in a form that's easily assimilated by your turtle, and you can do a far better job of maintaining water quality with regular water changes and cleanings, especially if you have a smaller tank.

[Sen5es]

Yes, this was the one was talking about.

http://www.lnt.com/product/conditioners ... .5-oz.html

Because if it adds calcium to the water, won't the water filter end up filtering it? And if it keeps filtering the calcium then I would have to end up getting a new filter because it'll get clogged.

Do you think one of these would help?

[TheComputerGremlin]

First, what type of filter are you using? Calcium by itself shouldn't clog a filter unless it starts being deposited, and that requires it to evaporate out of the water.

Second, those tank neutralizers really shouldn't be used unless there is a problem with your aquarium, and even then, there are better products for neutralizing various issues. Have you used water test strips and found that you had an imbalance? If so, what was the imbalance and what numbers did your test give you?

Many people on the board here use ReptiSafe, it's a water conditioner that dechlorinates the water while adding essential ions (such as calcium). http://www.petco.com/product/5445/Zoo-M ... oners.aspx

A lot of times those turtle shaped things get eaten by your turtle and give them quite the tummy ache (with vomit/diarrhea potential ...). If you are set on wasting your money on them, I'd recommend you dissolve them in a separate bowl and add the water to your tank rather than place it in directly.

[Sen5es]

I'm using a Aquaclear filter. I thought it helps de-chlorinate the water.

[Caphits]

Chlorine only lasts a few hours in water, and is really actually unnecessary.

Those turtle shaped things don't even remove chlorine. I really thing they are quite a bad idea.

[theartbook35]

I used one a couple of weeks ago.

It was supposed to last 40 to 60 days.

It lasted seven days. My turtles ate it.

They haven't had any problems from it, but, it didn't do anything except keep the tank from smelling like turtle pee.

Since I have a small tank, I just clean everything once a week. I don't clean that harshly, either. I just rinse the tank out and put in fresh water. Having a spotless, super duper ,so clean you can eat off of tank, is not good for them either.

Edit: http://www.petdiscounters.com/c19/c221/ ... p7345.html I found this on a particular online store I like a lot. Anyways, I haven't personally used it, so I can't guarantee how well it works. However, it seems to me like it is more geared towards what you are looking for.

[Sen5es]

Okay then, but if i have a filter then it wouldn't even be necessary in the first place right? So if i use tap water and buy a water conditioner would that be fine? I heard some people get like waste control chemicals that are good bacteria to break down wastes. Is that necessary? I already have a filter.

[TheComputerGremlin]

With tap water and a good conditioner, you should be fine. As for the waste controlling chemicals, some people have good experiences, some have bad experiences. Many people would rather buy a better filter, clean their filter more frequently, or use a vacuum or net to remove all of the waste they can visibly see.

[Caphits]

If you want a dechlorinator, just go to walmart. They sell one there that even has starter bacteria in it. It is pretty inexpensive too.

Still only needed for larger water changes, or if the turtle is sick.