Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I am considering using one of these biological supplements like Bacter Plus, etc. to help quickly cycle a new turtle tank with non-toxic beneficial bacteria instead of waiting for weeks to the system running properly. Is it really safe for water turtles and such?

Thanks.

Brad

I've never heard of it doing any harm, but who knows? I've used it before with no ill effects.

Compared to tropical fish or other sensitive aquarium animals (octopi), turtles are much less sensitive to water quality. I rarely concern myself with biological filtration before putting a turtle in a tub or habitat, I do the same water exchanges I would as if the biological filtration were set up. I have never had a huge ammonia spike, much less any levels of nitrogenous waste that have damaged turtles. I have used those products on occasion, and I don't think it would hurt.
-----
...the oldest task in human history: to live on a piece of land without spoiling it."
Aldo Leopold (1938)

"Sometimes I think the surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us."
Calvin and Hobbes (Scientific Progress Goes 'Boink', 1991)

I've always wondered... if that stuff even works, or helps. If you think about it, the bacteria is probably present in the water anyway, and a few drops from a bottle wouldn't make a difference one way or the other. But I also have to admit to not cycling any of my turtle tanks.
-----
Peter: It's OK, I'll handle it. I read a book about something like this.
Brian: Are you sure it was a book? Are you sure it wasn't NOTHING?

Apparently the stuff does work, despite defying reason. The bacteria are present in the water usually, however the actual population numbers is what is insufficient during cycling. Also, in a new tank you have to have food to feed the bacteria before they can grow and multiply. There is a new product that I have heard about through the grapevine that supposedly works wonders by cycling a tank in only a few days! Where I work we will need to establish biological filtration in 100,000 gallons worth of aquariums within the next two months, but the cost of using this product for that many gallons, around $5000 is rather prohibitive!!
-----
...the oldest task in human history: to live on a piece of land without spoiling it."
Aldo Leopold (1938)

"Sometimes I think the surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us."
Calvin and Hobbes (Scientific Progress Goes 'Boink', 1991)

That's good to know! You never know with anything you find at petstores. That's much better than having to subject fish to the cycling process. I was a bit of an aquarist before I was a herper.
(Just to satisfy my own curiousity, I cycled my marine tank with mollies. They were fine! I ended up getting rid of that tank, though, I miss it terribly)
-----
Peter: It's OK, I'll handle it. I read a book about something like this.
Brian: Are you sure it was a book? Are you sure it wasn't NOTHING?

Thanks for all the replies. I was over at the Honolulu Zoo last month and learned that they too, use some sort of biological additive to all of their aquatic habitats , even for hippos, etc....

I have been changing water for the past years, but it's too wasteful and too time consuming, hence I am looking at other methods such as using a good filter. I read some posts sometime back that some turtle breeder claims he never needs to change water with his good filtering system. Personally I would like to do that too, but I don't think I can come up with such a filter though....

Even breeders can be idiots!!

Do not think that you'll get away with never having to do a water exchange. It is THE professional standard in aquariums for maintaining or improving good water chemistry. Trying to eliminate water exchanges is pure laziness, it is a fact of life just like brushing your teeth if you want to have your teeth 50 years from now.

You did not mention what kind of filtration you have now, but if you did have inadequate filtration I can see where you think it's time-consuming. If you're interested in quality filtration that will (only) reduce the need for water exchanges, see my posts below about Ocean Clear filters.
-----
...the oldest task in human history: to live on a piece of land without spoiling it."
Aldo Leopold (1938)

"Sometimes I think the surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us."
Calvin and Hobbes (Scientific Progress Goes 'Boink', 1991)

when starting a new tank i usually put my new filter,or just the media,into an existing tank for a couple of weeks.this lets the old tank bacteria colonize the new filter.i remember an article in FAMA(fresh water and marine aquarium)magazine about cycling a new tank with straight ammonia.i don't remember the particulars,but i'm sure that they are archived somewhere.

I don't have any hard proof, but in general you can safely say that if tropical fish can handle it, a turtle will be fine.
That said, I don't think it is really necessary though, as the majority of turtles are hardy in regards to water quality. With a reasonably sized filter, cycling at start up will only take 2-3 weeks to get going well enough. The best advice I can give for filtration is to never add water that has not been dechlorinated to a system. I have noticed serious declines in biological filtration after adding as little as 20% chlorinated(tap)water to my set ups. Dechlorinators marketed for ponds are usually much more cost effective than those sold for aquarium use. hope this helps-D