Hi, I'm wondering about sand. I've had it in my Oscar aquarium & various turtle aquariums but have ended up with ammonia & nitrate problems. Even though 'gunk' sits on top of sand, that's fine for regular tropical fish but disruptive creatures like RES's & Oscars is completely different. I believe they mix it all up & you can't syphon sand like gravel unless you want an expensive plumbing bill.
It may be that you need a stronger filter. When the turtle swishes the gunk around, the filter should clear it up. I have had better luck with sand, than with a bare bottom tank or rocks.
"I know up on the top you are seeing great sights, but down at the bottom we, too, should have rights" ~ "Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories" by Dr. Seuss ~
Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2014 5:50 pm Sand Accumulating Nitrates