Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I keep 10 tiny turtles in a big plastic turtle pool. There's no filter so I change the water daily, making sure the water temp's 76 degrees when I refill the pool. When the turtles go back into their pond right after a water change, they all sit on the bottom of the tub with their eyes closed and look miserable. I assume the chlorine hurts their eyes. Does anyone know if it's OK to use the dechlor water conditioners that are commonly used for fishtank water changes?

Those aquarium de-chlors are just fine. I use Stress Coat and it seems to work okay. But the guys going to the bottom of the pond might just be their reaction to the stress of having the water changed -- coming into contact with people, dropping water level, etc. I wouldn't worry too much if they seem otherwise healthy.

Your turtles actions are certainly because of the chlorine, and a dechlorinator is absolutely necessary. I don't recommend the dechlorinators with a slime coat additive because it's one more chemical the turtles are exposed to, and one more you are paying for that is not needed.

The professional standard is Amquel, or try this generic product...
http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/5685/cid/1597
Safe for use on food fish and shellfish. This highly concentrated powder completely neutralizes ammonia, chlorine and chloramines from fresh and saltwater. It is non-toxic to fish and invertebrates. Safe for use on food fish and shellfish intended for human consumption. Dosage rate: 1 oz ChlorAm-X® per 235 gallons of water removes 1 mg/L of total ammonia. A 5 lb box treats 18,749 gallons.

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