Reptile & Amphibian Forums

For my 40 galloon tank I use a Eheim 2328 filter (150gallon) and stil I need to change the water every 2 weeks, while there is only one 4inch ally in there. Is this always the case with turtle tanks?

you have a very nice filter for such a small tank is this what you already had or did you buy it for that 40 gallon? What are you feeding the turtle and where (in the tank)? Why do you still need water changes ( too dirty I guess?). Its always good to do water changes regardless of how clean it LOOKS. All three of my tanks two 50s and a 60 gallon get water changes everysunday to keep nice fresh water and ammonia and nitrites level down. I would do at the very least 25 percent every two weeks.
Xavier

I have two tanks right now with alligator snappers. .About 6-8" water depth. One 40 gallon long, one 20 long.
I've found turtles in general to need more water changes than regular aquariums.

They just foul it up more and my alligator snappers don't seem to like the added turbulance of using heavier filtration.

I completely change my water every weekend. Once you do it a few times, you get some systems where it doesn't really take very long at all. Also I can check them out when I'm moving them and make sure everything looks OK. Measure and weigh if I feel like it.
I remove all the turtles to a separate holding tank with just a few inches of water. Then I can really empty and wipe down their tank pretty fast. The whole thing for both tanks takes me under an hour and keeps it a lot cleaner.

I don't think this is something you have to do, but it really doesn't take long and I sort of enjoy it anyway.