Habitat - Indoor :: Water Quality Issues

[cutepanda86]

Hello all!

All of a sudden, I seem to be having water quality issues. I changed the water on Friday. Now it's green. Needless to say, I used to be able to change the water on a weekly basis. I can't be changing the water every 4 days. Shledon will be unhappy if I have to keep doing that (he really dislikes being cooped up while I change his water).

The other day, I relaized the filter was on low. So I removed some of the nasty water and then turned it all the way up. Still the water turns icky.

Any thoughts?

[steve]

How big is the tank and what filter do you have? Any equipment change recently?

[cutepanda86]

No equipment changes other than throwing out the old foam and putting in new.

I still have the 15 gallon tank (which I intend to upgrade) and a fluval u1 meant for 0-15 gallon tanks. Now this morning, I pulled Sheldon out and moved the filter to find that poop had gotten under the filter. I'm thinking that might be part of the problem. I've put in clean water and set the filter up higher so the water circulates underneath it. I'm hoping that helps.

[cutepanda86]

Ok now the docking station is growing algae and the water is getting green again. very frustrating.

[penelope]

Uhhhhghgg - just sharing your frustration!

I see you already read VeipaCray's algae thread.
Here's wishing you get a speedy resolution!

[cutepanda86]

Thanks penelope. I'm thinking I need a new filter and one of those UV sterizilers.

[penelope]

I asked about those when I was looking for a new filter. It's something to read while you wait for an answer from someone in-the-know
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=31793

[steve]

Have you been doing partial changes or complete ones? What's the exposure like to direct or indirect sunlight? The overall lengthening of daylight hours could contribute to the problem.

[cutepanda86]

@ Penelope - Thanks for the link! I need to weigh my options.

@ steve - I've been doing partial changes. I scoop out over half of the original water and then add filtered water to make up the rest. I plan on doing a full change (with scrub of tank items) this weekend. Indirect sunlight for most of the day. There is only a short window where he gets direct. I cut the expsoure to the light bulb down to 12 hours from like 16.

[steve]

I think the direct light is the major contributer here. When I had a small tank with algae water problems, a partial change would still allow the algae to come back quickly. Full water changes and cleanings were necessary to give the most time between cleanings, but the algae would always make it's way back.

[VeipaCray]

Feeding in tank, exposure to direct light, small filter, phosphates in your tap water can all lead to algae problems. Remember, algae need food (phosphates) and light. Remove one and you remove the algae.

[cutepanda86]

I'm upping the filter size and I'll keep the direct sunlight to a minimum. If that fails, then I'll fall back to taking him out of the tank for feeding. I really appreciate everyone's help!

[VeipaCray]

Fx5 and a larger tank if I make a suggestion. The fx5 will handle an adult sized turtle (unless you like upgrading filters multiple times)

[cutepanda86]

I'm going to upgrade the tank but I've only had Sheldon for about a month and I just got him happy about two weeks ago. Figured I'd start out small and upgrade after some more time has passed. Thanks though because when I do upgrade, I'll know what to get.

[penelope]

Yes. and when you do upgrade, plan ahead....get something not too big for the new tank, but strong enough for upsizing.
For example, when I upgraded to a 55 gallon tank, I bought stuff that could handle a 95 gallon tank (not filled to the brim, of course). That way when I was able to afford the larger tank, I did not have to buy a new heater, filter, etc.
Takes some research and calculation to not do overkill on one end while preparing for the other, but worth it!
It's much easier to find an inexpensive tank at a yard sale, than good media, so your upgrade costs will be like nothing - cuz you'll already have what you need for a bigger tank.
I hope that makes some sense.

Makes me wonder, is there such as thing as over filtration?
All I can say is I got the FX5 and am in love! it makes draining the tank a dream Costly, but worth it!
So if over-filtration isn't an issue, it's worth it and will take you through many tanks size upgrades.

btw - feeding out of the tank can be a "pain" but it does build a bond...so...not so bad in that regard