Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have an Alligator Snapper and her tank has been fine for about 7/8 months since we have had her until recently the water gets cloudy within 24 hours of changing and doesn't clear up. I have tried letting the water settle before turning the filter on, changing carbon/sponge in filter, EVERYTHING. No help. Does anyone know what may be causing sudden cloudiness, it's come down to changing the WHOLE tank every other day now and the turtle appears to be healthy, no cuts or sores and she's eating regularly. Thanks for any suggestions! -Amanda

My Daughter, Satina
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a126/richs_fiancee/Animals/turtleee.jpg

It looks really small for a turtle that size.

I've found that keeping turtles is somewhat like keeping fish. You have to have an appropriate size tank for not only space for the animal, but a big enough tank to support the biological needs. A turtle tank has to cycle just like an aquarium.

What this is is the nitrogen cycle. Your tank when started initially is literally too clean. There is no beneficial bacteria built up to help break down the waste the turtle produces. Water changes help dilute it, but they can only go so far. Cloudiness is generally due to an excess of waste/nutrients in the water. I'd have the water tested ASAP. Specifically you're looking for what the levels are of: ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. Chances are, one of those is high which is causing the cloudy water.

Now, I know nothing about snappers so I may be off base in wondering about the water level in the tank. Personally, my two 1 1/2 yr old sliders have a 55 gallon (stand 4 foot variety) that is filled up within about 6 inches from the top of the tank. I noticed in your picture that yours was a rather low amount of water, likely indicating a tank too small for that size turtle.
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1.0.0 Thoroughbred
1.0.0 Mali Uromastyx
0.1.0 Bearded Dragon
0.1.0 Crested Gecko
1.2.0 German Shepherds
1.2.0 Cats
0.1.1 Birds (Cockatiel and Conure)
1.1.0 Rabbits
0.0.2 Yellow bellied sliders
3 Fish tanks (SW and FW)

She's in a 10 gallon as of now, the end the picture was taken in has about a 2 inch upward slant in the rocks to provide her with rest from swimming since she will not bask on her dock. I keep about 5 inches of water in the deeper end, I hope this is enough. I think I'm more afraid to put more than that because it seems like she forgets how to swim sometimes and panicks when she's in deep water. She is roughly 2 1/4" in shell length. Should I invest in a larger tank? Thank you for your feedback. She is the first repitle I have owned, normally I deal with liter boxes and dog collars. So any input is very appreciated!

A larger tank would be ideal...20g

You can still keep the water shallow if you're not comfortable with her swimming abilities (it should be able to be at least as deep as she would be long if tipped nose down and tail up).

I suspect she could swim in deeper water as long as she has easy access to land or a floating dock. If you're unsure, pick a day when you can supervise her in that room for a few hours before leaving. I would bet your water cloudiness is due to water quality issues, which is in turn due to the fact that you've got a messy critter in a couple gallons of water. A 10 gallon tank filled with a few inches of water can't be more than 2 gallons or so. I'd really consider upgrading.
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1.0.0 Thoroughbred
1.0.0 Mali Uromastyx
0.1.0 Bearded Dragon
0.1.0 Crested Gecko
1.2.0 German Shepherds
1.2.0 Cats
0.1.1 Birds (Cockatiel and Conure)
1.1.0 Rabbits
0.0.2 Yellow bellied sliders
3 Fish tanks (SW and FW)

Thanks for your feedback, we will definitly upgrade her tank SOON!

that is not an alligator snapper it is a common snapper