Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This is in reference to a previous post of mine about the health water treatment that I picked up from Walmart. It is supposed dissolve over 30 days or so. My turtles ate it in 3 days. They seem fine, and they've eaten fine since.

Is there anything I can do to keep them from eating it like that? I'd like to keep one in there at all times, but I can't afford it if they're going to go through two or three a week. And I'm guessing it's not good for them in the long run with eating such a huge amount so fast.

Devin

I dont know what your tank is like, but here are a couple things you can do to keep the turtles from eating it. Put it under a rock that they cant move. Put it in the filter- put it after the filtration part so whatever comes out of it doesnt get stuck in the media.

Another thing you can do- In the fabric section of walmart they sell this stuff that looks like plastic screen. I think its for some kind of embroidery or something. Using fishing line to sew with, make yourself a little box and put the treatment inside. Just make it so you can open it to add a new one. I use that stuff for lots of things in my tank.
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if the turtle is eating those health conditioners, which are largely calcium, them your turtle is likely satisfying its craving for calcium.
try getting some calcium tablets (the ones designed for people like calcium carbonate or calcium citrate) and break them into small pieces and drop them in the tank periodically.

They are not calcium deficient. They have cuttlebone in the tank that I catch them eating regularly. They just seem to like picking at whatever isn't nailed down. I know they aren't by any means hungry (they're fed well). They may just be bored or playful. I'm just happy they don't chew on each other.

Devin

I think putting it in the filter will work great. Thanks so much for the suggestion!

I may even try the box if I find some extra time to be creative.

Devin

Or, for calcium see if your turtles will eat cuttlebone. Take off the hard backing, break it up into pieces and drop some in the tank.