Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I bought one of those Tera Turtle health conditioner things and I noticed the turtle ate some of it. Will this harm my turtle in anyway?...Thanks

I t won't likely harm him but there are some things you should know.

First of all those things do little to nothing to clean or make the water less toxic. They are almost completly useless....don't buy another one. (not your fault if you were told they would help)

If you are looking for a cleaner tank (and with turtles you shouls ALWAYS be looking for a cleaner tank) then i sugegst more water changes. Never underestimate how dirty the water is; an another partial water change is always a good idea.

Secondly turtles that chew rocks or these stupid sulpha things are often deficient in calcium.
Try getting some calcium carbonate or calcium gluconate tablets (made for humans, no don't buy tums or other antacids with sugar added) and drop one in the tank ever other week. He may well eat it as he needs.

Go to a pet store and get a cuttlefish "bone".
These are small white rounded arrow-shaped things sold for birds to gnaw on. They are good for turtles as well. Many keepers use them as a calcium source and a provision for wearing down the turtle's beak. Theya re actually the remains of the cuttlefish and sold a "cuttlebone" in pet stores. (usually in the bird section) Don't be surprised if the pet store people have never heard of using them with turtles.
When you get one, try to remove the hard part from the cuttlebone and crumble the soft parts onto the water. One "bone" will mame several "servings" so you can keep adding it as he eats it or it dissolves.