Why does the water in an aquarium with red-eared turtles quickly become cloudy?

Keeping aquaterrarium clean is one of the main rules for keeping an aquatic turtle. Consider the main causes of pollution and ways to deal with muddy water.

Reasons for the violation of cleanliness

If the water in the pet’s aquarium quickly becomes dirty, then the reason may lie in:

1. Rigidity. The impurities contained in the water settle on the ground, the walls of the aquarium and the heater. A white coating appears on the turtle’s shell.
2. stern. The remains of uneaten or missed food settle on the bottom and begin to rot. In addition to dirt, an unpleasant odor caused by putrefactive bacteria is added.
3. Abundance of aquatic plants. Usually the water turns green from overgrown xenococus or green euglena.
4. Insufficient hygiene. In red-eared turtles, it is customary to defecate in water, so its rare change contributes to the accumulation of nitrates and ammonia.

Dirt Fighting Tips

After dealing with the problem of pollution, use the following tips:

1. Reduce hardness. Salt content can be reduced by: a. bottled or filtered water; b. water softener with ion exchange resin; c. freezing water, pushing excess dissolved salts to the center.
   

   IMPORTANT! Take a moment before completely freezing and drain the remaining liquid from the center. It is in it that salt deposits are concentrated.

2. Change your eating habits. When feeding, remove the turtle from the aquarium and move it to a separate container filled with warm water. If the water quickly becomes cloudy due to uneaten food, reduce portions.
3. Assess the level of illumination. Due to the excessive number of plants, the water not only turns green, but also emits an unpleasant odor. The problem is solved: a. decrease in light; b. using a UV sterilizer lamp; c. thorough washing of the aquarium and equipment with soda; d. periodic large volume water changes.
4. Change the water at least 1-2 times a week and install powerful filters. Juveniles are suitable for indoor models, while adults who have gone through a molt will also have to add external filtration.

The accumulation of dirt is a favorable environment for pathogens. Keep your pet safe by keeping your hands clean, cleaning the aquarium regularly, and a cover that protects the water from flying dust.