General Care Discussion :: Water Quality

[tonyandlala]

Hi all,
Set up my new Rena Filstar XP4 on a 40G tank @ 2 months ago and waiting for bacteria colonies to grow, did a water test for the first time. Would appreciate some feedback on the numbers:
Ph - 7.6
High Ph - 7.4
Ammonia - 0 - .25, closer to 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - between 80-160, closer to 160

Have 3 30PPI pads, 3 20PPI pads, 60 stars, also using Bio-Chem Zorb Pouch and removed the micro filter.What a great filter, crystal water and easy to clean, highly recommend it.

Figured the API test kit would test for Chlorines but no. Should I also look into getting a test for that? Do 25% water changes 2x a week.

Have 2 RES, 5" & 4", both female and will be moving within the next 6 mo. and will greatly upgrade tank size then, even so, they get along pretty well. Never thought we would get so much enjoyment from these little rascals, but they're a blast and so calming to watch. Now need to work on basking platform upgrade, the large Zoomed turtle dock has turned into a joke for the larger, never mind if the two want up. Some great ideas on here for that, prob. going with a cheap ATBA (10G tank, bottom busted out and tiled until the tank upgrade and something more permanent).
This forum has been invaluable to getting and keeping these little monsters healthy and happy, thanks!

[devilduck]

It looks like your filter is cycled. Do a large water change to remove the high nitrates.

Your filter may continue to cycle after you add your turtle since your bumping up the bioload by a lot with two turtles, just let it adjust naturally.

The carbon in the Zorb should remove Chlorines and Cloramines, you can also use regular activated carbon (replaced monthly) or a water conditioner like Prime.

A 40G tank maybe a little small for 2 turtles.

[ljapa]

Your ph is probably around 7.4 or 7.5. Those two Ph tests are for lower Ph (6.0 - 7.6) or higher (7.4 - 8..

However, they overlap at that 7.4 - 7.6 range. Your readings show it at the bottom of the high range 7.4 and the top of the low range 7.6. So it's probably 7.5.

[tonyandlala]

Thanks
Devilduck, when you say cycle are you referring to the growth of the bacteria in the filter? And "continue to cycle" means the nitrates may go up again?
Is 7.5 a preferable range?

[VeipaCray]

The exact PH number isn't important for a turtle. Somewhere between 6.5 and 8 is good.... having a PH that stays at a relatively constant # is desirable.

Yes they're referring to the nitrogen cycle that happens in an aquarium.

Your turtle / fish will produce waste. The waste contains high amounts of toxic ammonia. A beneficial form of nitrifying bacteria called nitrosomonas will form and consume the ammonia. The waste product from the nitrosomona bacteria is slightly less toxic nitrite. A second beneficial bacteria will form and colonize called nitrobacter. Nitrobacter will consume nitrite and produce a waste product called nitrate. Ideally and over time, nitrate would get converted to nitrogen gas but that doesn't happen fast enough to keep in balance with the rest of the cycle in the aquarium. So yes, nitrate levels will always rise. The purpose of regular water changes is to keep the nitrate levels in check.

When ammonia and nitrite stay at 0, your tank is considered fully cycled... meaning the bacteria colonies have multiplied and colonized enough to keep up with their food source.

[tonyandlala]

You guys are the best, thanks!