I wouldn't worry about the addition of pond water as far as adding in harmful microbes. If it came from a pond or marsh, etc. that is in good health the biological processes should be in check. Personally, I seed all of my environments with beneficial bacteria in this manner and have never had a problem. In fact it usually (and very quickly) takes care of problems you may be having with the tank. Whatever you do, do not make a more sterile environment. This will help your problems in the very short term but will lead to consistent long term problems. Your cage sounds pretty good with the addition of basking spots,live plants, etc. Also, it is my opinion that in a tank environment gravel, etc. substrate is a necessity for providing biological filtration. All the surface area of those rocks provide area for your beneficial bacteria to grow. In addition, you will notice that gravel acts as a sediment trap. This is most noticed when you do a tank clean. This sediment trap is ok if you let the tank naturally cycle itself out. The beneficials on the substrate surfaces will actually be naturally breaking down the trapped sediment. Just make sure you keep up with your water quality (ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate). Do more frequent small (10-15% water changes) than less frequent, larger water changes. The more aquatic plants, the better. You also want to rarely change or clean out your filter cartridges except when they are in desperate need, as in no water is getting through. In this case rinse off the cartridges only, and do not clean the rest of the tank. This will help the biological filtration mend itself as quickly as possible. If you do a tank clean and filter clean you will need weeks to regain the process. And whatever you do, don't bleach or clean anything with hot water, you need to save as much of those beneficials as possible. Your frequent trips outside with the turts are a great idea. I would also try Ken's recommendation to increase the acidity of the water. Good luck.

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