Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
When I go to forums and ask about more efficient ways of keeping the tank clean, I've been told to cycle the aquarium. However, when I researched this topic, I only found cycling instructions for fish. But, thinking that all waste is pretty much the same, I decided to purchase cycling bacteria anyway, and see what happens. Nothing happens.
Either it wasn't the right type of bacteria, or you just can't cycle turtle waste like that. So I visited the pet shop, and the guy there said that cycling isn't for turtles. So, they tried to sell me TurtleClean, or some kind of derivative of that. It's supposed to magically dissolve turtle waste. After wasting money on the fish-cycling idea, I decided to ask a few questions first this time. So, does anyone know if it's actually possible to cycle a turtle aquarium? If so, HOW?!?! Please, please please give me *detailed* instructions because I'm a bit of a clutz when it comes to stuff like this.
Thanks,
Anthony

What is it that you are expecting to happen?

What kind of filter are you using?

I never bought anything to cycle my aquarium, just let the filter do its job. My filter has a section of bio material in it for the bacteria to grow on, and I don't clean the bio material when I clean the filter, I just rinse it with water. Other than that I don't do a thing, I don't change the water because that would ruin the cycling. My tank stays nice and clean, I generally only change water once a year, and the water is never cloudy. I have done tests for ammonia and the water is always clean, and never smells bad.
-----
Mom to:

1 little boy born 7/19/04
2 male RES, born 2001
1 ribbon snake, age unknown
3 FBT, ages unknown
1 female bearded dragon, born 5/2002
1 male lab mix, born 5/24/03
1 female calico cat, born 6/7/04