Reptile & Amphibian Forums

OK, so I was taking my HOT Magnum container of activated carbon out of its canister when the top popped off and about 3 T of carbon fell into the tank. My two sliders immediately headed for the new "food," but I was quick enough to grab them before they ate any. I removed the turtles from the tank to clean it. It took me a LONG time to clean the carbon out of the tank before I could replace the turtles.

So, my turtles are safe and I have learned to be more careful. But I am curious...had my turtles eaten the carbon, would it have made them sick or killed them? Is activated carbon poisonous if sliders eat it?

Only dangerous if it becomes lodged in the intestines called an "obstruction". For a short period of time, should not cause any problems, just make sure when you feed them your scooping the poop up so they dont keep injesting the carbon. I have never heard of a problem with ingested carbon, in-fact sometimes it is used to treat some diseases. They should be fine, if you notice any drastic change in behavior, appetite, tarry black stools, or vomiting, then you will need a vet. No worries.

Jeff M.
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Jeff M.
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1.2 tri-colored hogs
2.4 w.hogs
1.2 albino RES
2.4 spotted turtles
0.1 puppy
--->2.7 albino mice feeder breeding colony

Thanks for taking the time to address my concern!