Care of Water Turtles, Water Hygiene and Sanitation

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Author: The Turtle Man

The water level provided should be at least as deep as the turtle is long, preferably several times this measure. Tap water is acceptable provided it is allowed to stand undisturbed for at least 48 hours before the turtle is introduced.  This is necessary for the water to become free of chlorine and chloramines.  Water treatment systems sold at pet shops that are recommended for tropical fish may also be used to remove these chemicals from city water.

Sometimes unfavorable local conditions can make tap water unusable.  The high iron content or fluoridation procedures of certain water supplies can be harmful to water turtles.

Bottled water is probably safest for delicate water turtles and for species whose actual aquatic requirements are unknown.  Brackish water can be approximated for species that require it (such as Diamondback Terrapin) by adding 1 tbsp of un-iodized salt to each gallon of water.

In the wild, the relatively large bodies of water in which turtles live tend to reduce the concentration of waste products and uneaten food.  Consequently, free-living water turtles are rarely affected by the decomposition and bacterial proliferation that inevitably follow.  This is not the case with captive water turtles.  Because of the relatively small water volumes of aquariums and ponds, these limited enclosures tend to concentrate waste material.  This represents a potential hazard for the turtles because disease-causing microorganisms that feed on this material also multiply.  Water turtles, therefore, live in a "soup" of potentially harmful microbes and disease is an ever-present threat if sanitation is poor. 

Every effort should be made to prevent soiling of the environment.  All fecal matter should be netted or siphoned away as soon as possible.  Water turtles should be fed in an environment separate from their living environment to reduce contamination of the water.  A small aquarium, hard plastic dishpan, or even a bucket works well in this capacity.

A filtration system is necessary to maintain optimum water quality.  Undergravel filters work best, except when soft-shelled turtles are housed in an enclosure.  This type of turtle tends to continually stir up the bottom material. Outside filters are efficient, provide high flow rates, and are relatively easy to clean.  The corner filters routinely used with tropical fish are not as effective or useful when used with water turtles.

Adding small amounts of vinegar to maintain a water pH of 6.0 - 6.5 (slightly acidic) may help keep bacterial counts low.  One teaspoonful of non-iodized (aquarium or rock) salt added per gallon of aquarium water may also help in this capacity.

At lease once monthly, the water turtle's enclosure should be entirely dismantled (including the filtration system) and thoroughly cleaned.  It is not practical to maintain this cleaning schedule with ponds These should be cleaned at least every 3-6 months.