Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Tap water okay? distilled? softeners? What do African sidenecks require?

I read some other posts, I learned shortly after my last post that they don't hibernate. BUT, I would still love a link or a kind reply about extra care.

Well when in doubt aim for 7.0 and by all means dechlorinate.
we know many species do have certain pH requiremnts but i have not head much about this in the context of husbandry of africans.

I will see if anybody knows about the conditions in which the pelusios and pelomedusa (what species do you have?)are found and if water chemistry seems to be a habitat selector. (surely somebody who has studied them or remembers and article will be reachable ; ) ) I have a feeling they are found in many habitats and they may not have a specific preference. I have seen photos of them in sandy looking (possibly hard water) rivers and in jungly, swampy, ponds that look as tannic and acidic. This is pretty interesting. I'm sure somebody knows.

Also as ammonmia is more toxic at higher pH, all other things being equal,lower it (near neutral) rather than raise it. Excessively hard water can casue calcium to precipitate out but if you have an adult turtle the calcium content of the watwr may not be soemthing that amtters much. (soemtimes salt and brackish water fish keepers and those rasing small turtles consider this)

SOUTHERN FLORIDA CORUCIA RESEARCH CENTER (SFCRC)

Location: LEE/1.

Hello,

I have heard that the Chelidae require a lower PH -acidic tea colored water but I don't know if the Pelomedusidea follow suit. If in doubt, better to go more acidic than alkaline.

Sincerely,
Brian
SFCRC