How to raise a turtle with good water first
Raising turtles may seem simple, but water quality management is key. Poor water quality can lead to illness and even death of turtles. This article will combine the popular turtle raising topics on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide you with structured data and suggestions from aspects such as water quality requirements, filtration systems, and water change frequency.
1. Turtles’ basic requirements for water quality

Different species of turtles have slightly different requirements for water quality, but the following indicators are universal:
| water quality parameters | ideal range | Excessive hazards |
|---|---|---|
| pH value | 6.5-8.0 | Too high or too low will corrode the turtle shell |
| Ammonia nitrogen content | <0.5mg/L | Causes poisoning and nail rot |
| nitrite | <0.3mg/L | Cause anemia and decreased immunity |
| water temperature | 22-28℃ (adjusted according to variety) | Excessive temperature difference can easily lead to pneumonia |
2. Key steps to maintain water
1. Dechlorination of trapped water
Tap water needs to be left standing for 48 hours or use a chlorine remover to prevent chlorine from irritating the turtle's eyes and skin.
2. Establish a nitrification system
Nitrifying bacteria can decompose ammonia nitrogen produced by feces and residual bait. It is recommended to use filter media (such as ceramic rings) and avoid frequent cleaning.
3. Filter equipment selection
| filter type | Applicable scenarios | Advantages and Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| upper filter | small water tank | Cheap but noisy |
| External filter cartridge | Medium and large tanks | Efficient but expensive |
| water fairy | Isolation tank for hatchlings | Quiet but requires frequent cleaning |
3. Water change and maintenance
1. Frequency of water changes
| water body size | no filter | There is filtering |
|---|---|---|
| Below 30L | Exchange 1/3 every 2 days | Change 1/3 every week |
| 30-100L | Change 1/2 every week | Change 1/3 every 2 weeks |
2. Cleaning precautions
• Avoid using chemical cleaners
• Be gentle when cleaning up leftover bait and feces
• The temperature difference of water change is controlled within ±2℃
4. Answers to recent hot questions
Q: What should I do if green algae grows in the turtle tank?
A: Reduce the light appropriately and add apple snails or scavenger fish (pay attention to the safety of polyculture).
Q: Are water quality testing tools necessary?
A: Beginners are advised to prepare pH test paper and ammonia nitrogen test reagent, which cost about 20 yuan.
Summary
Maintaining good water is the first step to successfully raising turtles. A healthy breeding environment can be created by scientifically managing water quality, rationally selecting equipment, and paying attention to turtles' behavioral changes (such as refusal to eat, frequent eye scratching). The "ecological tank" concept that has been hotly discussed among turtle friends recently is still essentially about stabilizing water quality. Don't blindly follow the trend.
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