Good filtration is absolutely key for maintaining a healthy
tank. There are many filtration options, but first you will need
to understand your tank's ecology. Before reading this section,
go read about the nitrification cycle. Types of Filtration There
are three types of filtration: Physical (foam pads), chemical
(carbon pads and zeolite), and biological (ceramic rings and
bio-wheels). Since the nitrates will build up in the tank, water
changes are a must. However, a full water change will throw the
tank parameters off and start the nitrification cycle all over
again. Instead, do small water changes. 20% every other week or
10% every week are common amounts. If the tank is particularly
dirty, do 10-20% every day, but don't take out all of the water.
To do the water changes, it's easiest to use a syphon. You can
either purchase one or build it yourself. How much filtration
does a turtle need? Figure on twice that which an equivalently
sized fish tank needs. Turtles are extremely dirty animals!
There are four