Can you use a fish water conditioner for turtles?
Turtles and fish can live in close proximity to one another. However, the quality of water for both is different.
Fish needs a specific type of water conditioner that turtles do not. The use of a turtle-specific water conditioner will ensure that your aquatic creature has the cleanest environment possible!
This blog post explores how to care for your pets by using a fish-safe or turtle-safe aquarium cleaner.
Both types have their benefits and drawbacks, which are discussed below.
Related Posts:
- Top 5 Turtle Substrate for Your Pet Tank
- Can Turtles Live in a Fish Tank Filled With Water?
- Can You Put Fake Plants in a Turtle Tank?
- Can I Keep My Turtle Tank Outside?
What Is a Water Conditioner?
The water conditioner contains chemicals that give the molecules smaller sizes so they will go through the turtle’s cell membrane more easily instead of accumulating inside the turtle’s body. Water conditioners come in different forms.
Calcium thiosulfate in liquid form, which is commonly used in the United States, uses gluconic acid or potassium permanganate to remove chlorine and chloramines.
Non-chlorine-based conditioners such as Turtlkare Water Conditioner uses aloe vera extract to reduce stress and promote healing in turtles.
Unfortunately, you cannot rely on a single water conditioner only.
Which Type of Water Conditioner Should You Use?
The best answer will depend on where you get your tap water from and how bad it is for turtle consumption.
If you have a pond, you can use tap water as it contains very low levels of chemicals.
If not, well water is a much better choice as it has a lower level of nitrates and other chemicals. However, it may contain a very high level of bacteria, which your turtle cannot easily survive due to its much higher sensitivity compared to other pets such as freshwater fishes.
In general, if your tap water does not contain ammonia and the pH is between 7 and 8, then there might be no need to use a water conditioner at all for turtles.
How Often Should You Change the Tank Water?
It depends on how dirty the tank looks! For example, if you recently bought 3 turtles from different places that come into contact with each other frequently, you will need to change the tank water more frequently to prevent cross-contamination.
Otherwise, you can do a partial water change once or twice a week.
Can I Use a Fish Water Conditioner for Turtles?
Can you use a fish water conditioner for turtles? You can.
But there are a few things to consider before purchasing a fish water conditioner.
First, the brand of fish water conditioners you’re using will play a role in whether or not it can be used for turtles.
If your turtle is going to live in a large tank without any contact with other fish, then any normal conditioner should work just fine.
However, if there’s going to be another animal in the aquarium that can come in contact with the turtle (i.e., a bottom feeder), it’s best to use one that specifically states that it is safe for reptiles.
You don’t want your bottom feeders dying from poisonous chemicals released into the water from unsafe products, do you?
What Is the Difference Between Turtle Water Conditioner and Fish Water Conditioner?
Turtle Water Conditioner
A turtle water conditioner is most commonly made from quaternary ammonium salts, which reduce surface tension in the tank, allowing oxygen to reach your turtle’s gills better.
It also reduces ammonia toxicity in turtle waste by converting it into less toxic substances (note that this does not mean you shouldn’t do water changes).
Some have added herbal extracts such as melaleuca (tea tree oil), which may help with fungal issues when used at no more than 1 drop per gallon.
It also contains an algaecide. This is very important as turtles are known to get aquatic snails and other small creatures stuck to them, allowing algae to grow on their shells.
The algaecide will dissolve this debris so the turtle can shed it naturally, also reducing or eliminating bad smells from your tank.
Turtle water conditioners may contain a de-chlorinator (this is optional).
If you’re using tap water straight out of the faucet without treating it for chlorine first, then you should definitely use one that has a de-chlorinator in it since there’s no way to remove all the chlorine before putting your turtle into his new home.
If you’re using treated water/distilled water, then a de-chlorinator isn’t necessary.
If you have a turtle larger than 4″, it’s a good idea to add 1 heaping tablespoon of aquarium salt per gallon of water when setting up your tank. This will help reduce swelling in the turtle should they get injured.
Salt should always be used sparingly, and should never exceed one teaspoon per gallon for turtles under 3″ or 5 tsp/gallon for turtles over that size (yes, this is more salt than the brackish/marine setup guides recommend).
Some turtle water conditioners contain aloe vera extract. This may help with minor scrapes and shell injuries, but there are mixed reviews about whether or not it makes much of any difference. If it’s in there, it’s definitely a bonus.
Fish Water Conditioner
Most fish water conditioners contain a de-chlorinator (if you’ve got treated tap or distilled water, then you probably don’t need it) and algaecide just like turtle conditioners do. There will be different concentrations available for the size tank that you have.
Unlike turtle treatments, which are safe to use on adult turtles at 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons of water and up to 1 tsp/gal if your turtle is under 3″, fish treatments should never exceed 1 drop per gallon of water.
There is some debate over whether this concentration is high enough to prevent nitrite spikes upon the introduction of new fish or during water changes, but I believe this was an intentional decision to prevent people from overdosing on their tanks.
There are also herbal extracts added.
Melaleuca (tea tree oil) is popular for reducing fungal issues and slime coats, although it should never exceed 1 drop per gallon of water.
Other treatments may contain garlic extract or aloe vera extract, which acts as an antibacterial agent against external bacterial infections.
These can be helpful if you have fish who spend a lot of time fighting with tankmates or flaring at one another, but there’s no need to use them long-term unless there’s a known problem in your tank that these herbs can cure.
If you’re adding 1 drop per gallon every day, then you probably have bigger issues to worry about.
A note on melaleuca (tea tree oil): Melaleuca is present in many herbal medications for fish and turtles, including treatments for fungal infections.
There’s debate over the toxicity of melaleuca at this concentration. Some people say it will cause problems with your biofilter, while others swear by its efficacy.
It should never be used in concentrations exceeding 1 drop per gallon of water. At lower doses, melaleuca can help prevent bacterial infections by reducing the pH of the water to a level that deters bacterial growth. This is why it works so well as an antifungal treatment!
In tanks where illness is not an issue, however, it’s best to avoid using this particular herbal remedy.
Herbal medications for fish and reptiles are all over the place. Some will be safe enough to use in your tank (especially if you’ve got a species-specific treatment), while others can cause problems with your bio-filter.
Since they all work differently, I recommend doing some research before introducing something new into your turtle’s environment.
A lot of these remedies are purchased by people who don’t understand how to care for their turtles properly in the first place.
These products may help treat certain illnesses or injuries in some cases, but I cannot recommend introducing them into your turtle’s home without knowing exactly what is in them and how they affect turtles under your care.
Some of these are safe to use in the long term at appropriate doses, but it’s important to note that anything containing melaleuca oil should not be used in turtle tanks due to the risk of biofilter damage.
If you’ve got sick turtles, this is an excellent spot treatment for fungal issues or inflammatory shell diseases, but otherwise, I’d recommend staying away from them.
Melaleuca will also cause problems with nitrifying bacteria colonies, creating a dangerous imbalance within the tank, which could lead to severe health problems for your turtles.
Since most fish medications on store shelves contain melaleuca oil, it’s best not to use them in any tank where there are live plants or bottom feeders present until you can verify that the product is safe for them.
Melaleuca oil can also cause damage to silicone seals and equipment over time, so it’s a good idea to avoid using it long-term in any tank where you plan on keeping your turtles until more information is available about its long-term effects.
How to Use Water Conditioner for Turtles?
A water conditioner is an important tool used by turtle hobbyists.
The goal of using a water conditioner is to protect your turtles from harmful bacteria and chemicals found in tap water.
What Are the Typical Problems Caused by Tap Water?
Turtle hobbyists always look for ways to maintain a healthy habitat for their pet turtles.
One essential component of a healthy habitat is clean drinking water. There are many factors that contribute to the quality of drinking water including free chlorine, total chlorine, chloramines, copper level, etc.
Chlorine itself isn’t dangerous but when it combines with organic wastes (ammonia) in the form of chloramines from decaying plants, fish droppings, and waste food, it forms a toxic chemical called nitrosamine.
In addition to being poisonous, nitrosamine has a very unpleasant smell that can be easily detected even in low concentrations.
The problems caused by tap water are further compounded if you use well water or pond water as turtles have a much higher sensitivity to nitrates and ammonia than other types of pets such as freshwater fishes.
A water conditioner is an important tool for turtle hobbyists to remove harmful chemicals and bacteria from the drinking water.
Is an Aqueon Water Conditioner Safe for Turtles?
Aqueon Water Conditioner is safe for turtles, but I do not recommend using it directly in the water because it will raise your pH level significantly.
Aqueon Water Conditioner has a high alkalinity rating (KH) and therefore raises the pH of your water. This does not harm or kill fish. However, for turtles, it can be harmful.
Turtles are very sensitive to pH levels and changes, which is why their habitats are always kept at a specific range.
What Is the Best Way to Use Aqueon Water Conditioner?
First, know that if you don’t de-chlorinate the water before adding the conditioner, then you should not add any conditioners because these could create an imbalance that will kill your turtles.
With that said, the best way to use Aqueon Water Conditioner is after you have de-chlorinated the water and before you get rid of any of the chlorine or chloramines, which are common in tap water.
After the chlorine has been eliminated with a water conditioner like Stress Guard, Aqueon Water Conditioner can then be added to protect your turtle’s skin layer.
I recommend waiting at least 15 minutes between adding this product and getting rid of bad chemicals because it takes some time for this product to even out in your aquarium/pond/aquariums).
How to Make Tap Water Safe for Turtles?
Now that you know that you can use a fish water conditioner for turtles, how can you make tap water safe for them?
Many keepers are concerned about the quality of tap water they use on their turtle’s terrariums. Many wonder if using tap water might harm their turtles in any way. Sometimes, it is not really easy to get hold of clean, healthy drinking water for your turtle.
Especially in areas where you have to drive some distance, or if you live in an area where drinkable water isn’t that cheap, it can be difficult to get hold of suitable drinking water supplies for your pet.
Safe, clean tap water is important because chlorine and similar compounds in tap water can be harmful to turtles.
Where to Get Clean Drinking Water?
A few options are available. Some pet shops offer filtered or purified water with the same composition as usual but with less chlorine in it.
This type of water is usually more expensive than regular tap water, so if you don’t have any need for this kind of “designer” drinkable water, then just use good old tap water. It’s free!
Other alternatives are natural bodies of freshwaters such as lakes or rivers. You could go there yourself and fill up your turtle’s container/s.
However, this way, you’re at risk of getting ill yourself by coming into contact with bacteria living in these waters (e.g., Giardia, salmonella, etc.).
Getting ill through your turtle is not fun! So, I recommend against using (unfiltered) natural bodies of freshwaters for supplying drinking water to turtles, even if the area you select seems 100% clean and healthy at first sight.
How Can I Ensure My Tap Water Is Safe for My Turtle Besides Boiling It?
You should treat tap water with a de-chlorinator (e.g., cat-safe de-chlorinator by Seachem available at Amazon), which removes chlorine and chloramine from the water that would otherwise harm your pet.
You can find all sorts of detoxicant in a good pet shop nearby.
If you don’t have or want to use these chemicals, then just filter the tap water with a good-quality filtration system before putting it into your turtle’s terrarium.
This way, you are sure that most of the bad stuff is removed from the water before being used for drinking purposes.
How Much Tap Water (Treated, Filtered, and Purified) Should I Allow My Turtles to Drink?
This depends on many factors like species, size, etc. As a rule of thumb, always supply plenty of clean drinking water available at all times!
You can make sure your pet can actually drink its fill by providing (a little bit more than) enough space inside the terrarium for your pet to get access to water at all times.
If you have a small turtle, then just 1 liter of clean drinking water should suffice for a day or two. For bigger turtles, you need more. 2 liters per 80cm SCL would be enough.
Can Turtles Drink Natural Bodies of Freshwaters?
I already mentioned not using these in the previous tip, but I want to make this clear: Do NOT use natural bodies of freshwater (rivers or lakes) as a drinking water supply for your turtles!
This is because they are usually contaminated with various parasites and other nasties that can sicken your pets!
Stay away from such waters, which are never 100% safe, even if you believe you have found a 100% clean area! Just use good quality tap water or invest in a good filtration system instead.
Conclusion
Can you use a fish water conditioner for turtles?
The water conditioner you use for your fish may not be safe to use on turtles. There are different types of water conditioners depending on the type of pet, so make sure you invest in one that is specifically made for your turtle’s needs.
Your veterinarian has more information about which products are best suited for what animals and can advise you accordingly.
Key points when considering the use of fish water conditional for your turtle:
Using fish water conditioner for turtles may not always be ideal due to differing requirements. Here’s a succinct guide in bullet points:
1. Water Conditioner Variations:
- Purpose: Fish water conditioners primarily neutralize chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals present in tap water for fish tanks.
- Turtle Tank Differences: Turtle tanks have distinct needs, including water quality, that may differ from fish tanks.
2. Components and Needs:
- Chlorine and Chloramine: Both fish and turtles are sensitive to chlorine and chloramine in tap water, requiring neutralization before use.
- Metals and Minerals: Fish water conditioners may not address specific mineral needs or contaminants relevant to turtles, such as calcium for shell health.
3. Consideration for Turtles:
- Calcium Needs: Turtles often require calcium supplements to support shell health and growth, which may not be addressed by fish water conditioners.
- Shell Health Concerns: Turtles may benefit from water conditioners that promote calcium absorption or cater to their specific mineral requirements.
4. Safety and Efficiency:
- Risk Factors: Some fish water conditioners contain additives or compounds that might not be suitable or safe for turtles.
- Efficiency: While these conditioners neutralize certain substances, they might not provide additional benefits that cater specifically to turtle health needs.
5. Turtle-Specific Water Conditioners:
- Tailored Formulations: Specialized turtle water conditioners are available, formulated to address chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals, and sometimes include additives for shell health.
6. Recommended Approach:
- Consultation: Seek recommendations from reptile or turtle experts or veterinarians regarding suitable water conditioners for turtles.
- Turtle-Safe Products: Opt for water conditioners explicitly formulated or labeled as safe for turtles to ensure their specific needs are met.
7. Alternative Solutions:
- Natural Dechlorination: Allowing tap water to sit for 24 hours can naturally dissipate chlorine. However, this method might not be adequate for chloramine removal.
8. Adherence to Instructions:
- Follow Guidelines: When using any water conditioner, adhere strictly to dosage instructions to prevent potential harm to your turtle.
While fish water conditioners can eliminate certain chemicals from tap water, they might not address all aspects of a turtle’s water quality needs. Consider opting for water conditioners specifically designed for turtles to ensure their overall health and specific mineral requirements are met adequately.
