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Hi, I am a new turtle owner and I currently have my tiny turtle in a 20gal tank with 2 Black Skirt Tetras, 2 Zebra Danios, 3 Platies, a Otocinclus Catfish, and one large Amazon Sword Plant. I was hoping that keeping these in my tank would help with the turtle leftovers and water clarity but I've noticed that there is a lot of food accumulating on the bottom of my tank as well as it's slightly cloudy with a tad bit of smell (not that noticeable though). I use Fluker's Eco Clean waste removal and a water conditioner for my turtle at least every 4 days or so. I also have a 30-40 gallon submersible filter in my tank to help keep the water clean as well as a moss ball to help grab food/waste floating around the water surface and to reduce smell. I know that some people say that I should change the water at least once a week but I was hoping that I could avoid that as much as possible considering I am scared I will end up killing my fish by moving them so often. Anyway, the point of all this is.. what could I do to really help maintain the water quality and reduce the hassle of getting leftovers out myself? Plus, anymore tips for a new turtle owner? I've had her for about 2 weeks now and I've spent a lot of time trying to make her happy and healthy! Thanks.

The fish add more waste than they eat. Plus your also feeding the fish=more waste. Water changes keep your nitrates in check. What brand of filter do you use and does it have carbon in it? Cannister filters are best for turtle tanks. Do you also feed the turtle in the tank? If so, you should feed it in a seperate container. A larger tank will be needed sooner than later and some of your fish will become lunch also.

Well, I have 2 tetra submersible carbon filters. One is a 30/40 gallon and the other is a 10 gallon. My oto died today so I replaced him with dwarf corys that eat left over scraps from the bottom of the tank. I really want fish in there with my turtle due to it makes the tank more exciting and I will change out the water, I just didn't want to do it once a week considering it takes a really long time to do. I don't mind doing it at least twice a month. I am not able to afford another tank at the moment but I plan on upgrading to a 40 gallon as soon as I get enough money. (hopefully in another few weeks) But I won't be able to purchase a canister filter until I save for a while. I know that some of my fish may become snacks but I try to feed my turtle a healthy diet so he doesn't feel the need to go after the fish, which I'm sure won't stop him if he really wants to. Lol. I mean, do you think my turtle will be okay with fish in his tank? I've tried to do as much research as I can and he seems happy at the moment. But, anymore advice would be awesome!

He'll go after them when he feels like it or the fish get too close.

As far as your turtle being ok with fish in its tank. Yes it will be fine.

As far as your turtle being ok with fish in its tank. Yes it will be fine.

Thank you!

The more fish you add the more robust of a biological filter your tank is going to need. They may eat any scraps or waste your turtles leave, but they are also putting off lots their own amounts. The best way to remove the waste the fish leave is with your beneficial bacteria. You also shouldn't have to move any fish if you are just doing a partial water change, 10%-20%. A bigger tank should be your next investment and then a decent canister filter, I personally recommend to stay away from Penn-Plax Cascade canisters, too much bypass. The bigger tank will also help with the smell because you will have more water to dilute all the waste.

Do the filters you currently have have any capacity to carry bio media?

One final recommendation from one new turtle owner to the other, read over the Sand FAQ. You'll thank yourself for never having to take your turtle to the vet for impaction.

**Edit: I never had to deal with impaction, just was aware of the risk and decided to educate myself on how to prevent it.