Speaking of the water source for keeping turtles, the most easily accessible for most turtle enthusiasts is tap water. So, can this kind of water be used directly to keep turtles? How significant are the advantages and disadvantages of tap water for turtles? Is it really true, as rumored among turtle enthusiasts, that tap water can kill turtles? There has always been a debate among turtle enthusiasts about whether tap water can be used to keep turtles, with various opinions. The most contentious issue is whether tap water can be used directly. The core viewpoint is that tap water contains chlorine, which can irritate the turtle’s skin, leading to problems such as skin rot and white eye disease.
The Treatment Effects of Tap Water in Different Regions
After understanding the breeding situations of many friends from all over the country, I found that although it is tap water, the treatment effects vary due to different water sources in various places.
- Tap water with chlorine: In some areas, the tap water indeed has a strong smell of chlorine or even bleaching powder. It is best not to use this kind of tap water directly. It is recommended to expose it to sunlight for two days, as the sun’s rays can accelerate the volatilization of chlorine in the water. Alternatively, you can let it sit in a basin for two days before use, which can also make it very clean.
- Tap water without chlorine: In some regions with better water sources, there is no obvious chlorine in the tap water, which can be used directly. However, attention should be paid to the temperature difference when changing the water, and the difference should not be too large compared to the original tank water temperature. Theoretically, a temperature difference of within 5 degrees Celsius is acceptable for turtles.
I live in the north, and when changing the water, I use tap water directly, but I don’t change it completely. I usually leave half of the old water in the tank. This mixed water changing method aims to help turtles adapt to the fresh water quality more quickly and also better stabilize the water temperature, avoiding stress responses in turtles caused by sudden water changes. Many turtle enthusiasts also adopt the same method.
Considerations for Using Purified Water to Keep Turtles
I am not actually against the direct use of tap water. Some turtle enthusiasts are more careful and choose to use purified water to keep turtles. This method is not wrong. If the water volume is small and the amount of water changed is not large, purified water can be used. However, if your tank is large and you use purified water every time, it will undoubtedly increase the cost significantly.
If a new turtle has just arrived and its condition is not stable, it is better to age some water in advance for them to use. After they have fully adapted, you can then directly change to tap water, which is a better transitional method. Of course, if there is a small river in front of your house and the river water is not polluted, using natural river water directly is also good.
Summary
In general, the choice of water for keeping turtles is similar to the choice of environment. As long as the turtles can adapt and live healthily, whether it is tap water, purified water, or river water, it is acceptable. Just like humans, some prefer cold water while others prefer hot water. Ultimately, it is a matter of whether the body can adapt. What we need to do is, on the basis of reasonable feeding, help the turtles gradually adapt to the living environment we create for them, so as to better raise them.
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Original article by KPTer, if reproduced, please cite the source: https://www.kaipet.com/en/tap-water-directly-turtles-methods-choosing-water-turtles
