Do Turtles Drink Water?

Yes, turtles drink water, just like most living beings. The only difference is that they drink when swimming. When wading, they simply take it in a gulp. Sea turtles are better protected from contamination by the good bacteria that filter out most toxins and waste produced by sea-water creatures. In captivity, however, owners must ensure the turtles get adequate filtered water. Once the animal urine and feces are broken down in the water, they create ammonia, which is toxic and can cause irritation and illness. If they drink the water for too long, worse could happen.

Which Turtles Need Water?

Water is necessary for all turtles because they need it for swimming, drinking, and soaking. Aquatic turtles will mostly drink the same water they swim in. As for land turtles, ensure to keep a separate bowl for drinking and soaking. Some turtles that need water are box turtles, desert turtles, red-eared sliders, snapping turtles, mud turtles, must turtles, ornate turtles, longneck turtles, sea turtles, baby turtles, etc.

Do Turtles Drink the Same Water they Swim in?

Yes. Turtles drink the same water they swim and poop in. While this sounds unhealthy, it’s totally safe in the wild. This is due to the healthy bacteria present in freshwater and marine environments, which are good at cleaning the toxins in the water. Besides, the water bodies are too big considering the small size of their body, so it becomes diluted.

It’s the contrary in captivity because the tank lacks the bacteria that clean the water in the wild. In addition, the tank is more at risk of contamination since its contained. It’s impossible for the bacteria to keep up with toxin breakdown in such a small water body. For this reason, you should prioritize keeping the clean water in your turtles’ tank.

How to Keep Turtle Tank Water Clean?

A bigger tank

If your turtle’s tank is too small, it becomes harder to keep clean because it will get dirtier faster.  As a turtle grows, it will start releasing more and more mess. Besides, they can generate a lot of ammonia, which is toxic. As a way to reduce the impact of the mess, it’s good to enlarge their space by getting a bigger tank that will contain the mess much longer. It’s normal for owners to start with a small tank, but they do grow, and the same tank that looked adequate now starts looking too small.

The general rule of thumb is that you should have 10 gallons of water for every inch of shell the turtle has. So, if your turtle is 5 inches, a 50-gallon water tank should suffice. If your turtle has grown to 8 inches, it means that you should now get a 60-gallon tank. If space is not a problem for you, I suggest you get a bigger tank to fit in your space and let the turtles grow into it. This means you won’t have to spend more after a few more years when the turtles outgrow the tank.

An efficient filter

The filter is among the essential things to help keep the drinking water clean. Keep in mind that different filters have different power to work with different water quantities. Sellers will label filters such as this model is for 40 gallons of water, 60 gallons of water, 120 gallons of water, and so on. Keep in mind that most of these filters are based on fish aquariums, not turtle tanks. The turtle releases for waste than fish, so a turtle tank should get double or more power. So, if your turtle tank is 70 gallons, consider filters with high power, not for a 70-gallon aquarium. Going lower than the recommended means the filter might not clean the tank properly, and a foul smell and illness might begin.

Partial water changes

Another way to keep your water cleaner for longer is to regularly remove part of the water and replace it with fresh water. This helps to remove and dilute waste. How often you do partial changes will vary depending on factors such as the size of the turtle, the filter, tank size, and whether the turtle feeds in the tank. Frequent partial changes in a week will do a lot to keep the water quality high. You could use a gravel vacuum to make the removal job easier. Avoid siphoning through the mouth to avoid salmonella contamination.

Change how you feed the turtle.

Some things, including food, can make the tank water even dirtier than other waste, which could turn dangerous for your turtle. They include the small food fragments that come off when the turtle bites. Unfortunately, it’s almost challenging unless you use a fish net to remove the leftover after feeding.

There’s a way to avoid this to prevent accumulation – Try feeding your turtle in a different container. It’s that simple. You need to add water in a separate container with food and let the turtle eat. After the meal, allow it to relax for a few minutes and then take it back to the tank. You can throw the water away.

The whole process should take minutes because you don’t have to supervise the turtle eating, but you will keep the water clean for the turtle, and you don’t have to clean the tank regularly.

This method is so simple yet incredibly effective. Just ensure the container does not come into contact with the surfaces where you place your food. Turtles are known to carry bacteria such as Salmonella, which makes humans sick. As a precaution, you might want to rinse the container after the turtle is done using it.

Vacuum frequently

It’s vital to vacuum your turtle’s habitat frequently, especially if they use substrate. You can find an aquarium vacuum cleaner to clean the habitat. To do this, put a hose in a bucket and adjust the nozzle to vacuum the tank. When using a siphon-type vacuum cleaner, avoid siphoning with the mouth because the water can harbor bacteria, which is safe for turtles but makes humans sick. You can use a squeeze bulb to siphon.

How to Change the Water in the Tank

If you enlarge the tank, use a good filter and feed the turtle in a different container, you should find it easier to keep the water cleaner for a longer time. Of course, after some time, you will need to change it.

First, you should remove the turtle from the tank and move it to a secondary container with water, such as the one you use to feed your turtle. There should be enough water for the turtle to swim and a platform where they can climb.

Next, unplug the electrical devices such as light fixtures, filters, and the heater. The heater has some parts that could get damaged when it gets out of the water. Ensure you remember how each component is installed for when you need to return them. Next, remove large items such as rocks, basking platforms, plants, and other decorations. Once you remove these items, the water tank will be easier to clean later.

Most tanks will grow algae on the inside, which can be stressful and disgusting to clean. An effective way to get rid of it is to use a magnetic sponge. The magnet connects with the inside material, which makes it easier to clean.

Siphon about 75% of water to a bucket and ensure to move the siphon closer to the algae so that you can remove as much sludge as you can. A net or vacuum cleaner also works to remove algae in the water. Also, use algae scrappers to remove any stuck algae from the walls. Don’t aim to remove all the algae; a little of it is good for turtles and adds to the tank’s natural aesthetics.

Once you are done, don’t throw the water in the bucket away just yet. Take the sponge out of the filter and wash it in the bucket using the water you’ve removed from the tank. The logic here is that water filters come with certain good bacteria that keep the water clean. So, if you wash it in clean water, you can remove all the beneficial bacteria.

If you use substrates such as rocks in the tank, ensure you rinse them before returning them to the clean tank. You can fill the tank with a hose or bathtub faucet and plug in the filter and heater back when everything is clean. This should be done each week since turtles can be really messy. There are certain things to see to know when it’s the right time for a change.

How Often Do I Need to Clean a Turtle Tank?

To begin with, if you have a tortoise or a land turtle such as a box turtle, your job is a lot easier because they will spend no or less time in the tank. For these, you only need to clean the water bowl or shallow water areas. For a tortoise, you can replace the drinking bowl with distilled or dechlorinated water every day. For a land-dwelling box turtle, you should simply use a net to clean the water area. Every one or two months, the tank and bowl need a deep clean as you change the substrate.

How to Get the Right Water Conditions for Your Turtle

There are a few ways to get the water conditions suitable for the turtles.

Dechlorinate the water – mineral water can be the best because it does not contain chlorine, but most people will prefer tap water because it’s cheaper and more convenient. However, tap water may contain chlorine and chloramines, which can harm the turtle. Dechlorinating the water requires you to use a water conditioner, which can help you save when keeping aquatic turtles. Look for any reptile-safe dechlorinator in local pet stores.

Regulate the water temperature – the water temperature is crucial for your turtle as different turtles thrive in different temperatures. For most turtles, the temperature should fall between 72 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a thermometer to check and regulate the tank water. Water that’s too cool requires a heater to rise to the appropriate temperature.

Test and correct the chemistry– Turtles are not sensitive to chemical changes as fish, but you should monitor the PH level, nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia levels right. An aquarium water test kit makes it easier to keep the water quality better. Aquatic turtle tank water should have the following chemistry.

• Ammonia level – 0
• Chlorine level – 0
• Nitrate level – 0 to 40 pm
• Nitrite level – 0 to 0.5 pm
• PH level – 6.0 to 8

If your tank water meets all those requirements, your turtles should be satisfied. A slightly acidic PH will promote the growth of good bacteria. Anything below 6.0 can be irritating to the turtle’s eyes. You can raise the PH by adding ordinary baking soda or using crushed coral as a filter medium.

Add little non-iodized salt – this is optional, but a single tablespoon of salt for each gallon in the tank can keep harmful microbes away. However, makes sure your turtle can survive in brackish water before adding it.

What’s The Oily Film on the Water in the Turtle Tank?

Just like with algae, too much oil will harm the turtle. A small amount may not be dangerous and won’t harm the turtle. However, a buildup can prevent oxygen from entering mainly due to various causes such as:

• Oil from hands – our hands are oily and can sometimes you can touch the water. To prevent this, ensure you rinse your hands thoroughly before handling the tank.
• New filter – additionally, new filters may be the cause of an oily tank. The oil may be from lubricants used during manufacturing. You can minimize this by washing the filter before installation.
• Dead organic matter – uneaten leftovers, dead fish, and other matter may be the cause of oil in your turtle’s tank. Ensure you get rid of the organic matter frequently.
• Turtle food and poop – if your turtle eats oily food, it can produce an oily film. You can minimize fatty foods.

Do Turtles Need a Separate Bowl of Water?

No, turtles don’t need an extra bowl of water on land. It’s much more natural for them to drink the same water they swim in. The only exception is you have your turtle quarantined because of sickness. In this case, you need to put a small cup of clean drinking water.

How Do Land Turtles Drink Water?

You might have observed that your land turtle has almost not been drinking water, or some owners have never seen their turtle drink water. Yes, it’s hard to see a land turtle drink water. This is because they evolved to live in a dry environment, so they don’t sweat, and their slow metabolism means they need less water to survive. Still, they get some water by;

Absorbing water through the skin – To begin with, land turtles actually absorb water through their skin. In fact, most land turtles don’t need to drink water, thanks to this evolutionary hack that has baffled scientists.

Soaking in water – another way turtles can drink water is to plop down inside a small puddle of water. Ensure you don’t soak the turtle in deep water that’s deeper beyond the head. It needs to be deep enough to get inside the shell, and the turtle should walk through it.

From a damp substrate – turtles can also absorb water through their skin if the substrate is moist. But you want to avoid keeping the substrate damp as it will form a mold that is not good for your turtle. Instead, make one spot wet so that it will stay on the spot when the turtle needs water.

Leafy greens and fruits

Land turtles love to eat vegetation and fruits, which contain a lot of water. With tots, minimal water requirements, water in fruits and vegetables may be adequate water for your hard-shelled friend.

Do Turtles Need Warm or Cold Water?

Turtles are ectothermic animals since they can’t regulate their body temperature. Instead, turtles rely on outside heat to keep their bodies warm. As such, turtles thrive in warm water, with most turtles preferring temperatures between 72⁰F to 77⁰F. However, hatchling and sick turtles need to stay in warmer water above 75⁰F.

The ideal temperature of turtles also depends on the species and size. Avoid raising the temperature too much because turtles will avoid basking. If it’s too cold, the turtle might come lethargic. For easy temperature adjustments, ensure you use a heater and a thermometer.

Do Turtles Use Chlorinated Water?

No. chlorine can be harmful to turtles. They may not show, but it irritates their eyes. Besides, chlorine messes up the beneficial bacteria in the tank water. The element also affects the nitrogen cycle and the breakdown of waste. When it comes to filling the tank for pet turtles, experts recommend using dechlorinated water. Avoid tap water because it may contain chlorine and fluoride, which can upset the PH balance. If you decide to use tap water, use a water conditioner to keep the ideal chemistry for turtles.

How to Dechlorinate Tap Water for Turtles

It’s easy to dechlorinate tap water for turtles by using a water conditioner that’s designed explicitly for turtles. This can help offset chlorine, chloramines and prevent the buildup of ammonia. You can choose from a wide variety of conditioners that are readily available in pet stores at as low as $3. Remember to ensure it’s used explicitly for turtles and not labeled for fish or amphibians. Ensure to use a water conditioner when you change its water. If you don’t prefer using a water conditioner, you can put the tap water and leave it for over 24 hours. This way, most of the chlorine will be heated by sunlight and diffuse into the air.

Can I Use Distilled Water for My Turtle?

Yes, distilled water is safe for turtles, albeit expensive. The advantage is that you don’t have to condition the water. Distilled water doesn’t contain additives like chlorine and fluoride found in tap water. On the flip side, distilled water lacks some minerals, so you may need to add some minerals for the turtle, such as iron and calcium. With proper remineralization, distilled water is the best option to keep the turtle healthy. Additionally, distilled water is excellent for exotic turtle species or ones that seem to be sensitive to water changes and chemicals.

What’s the Best Turtle Tank Size?

Tank sizes are typically available in three sizes:

• 10 gallons
• 20 gallons
• 40 gallons

The 10-gallon tank is a good start for hatchlings but might be too small for these fast-growing shelled friends. On the other hand, a 20-gallon tank will be enough for a growing turtle and may work for a long time.

A 40-gallon tank should fit several growing turtles or a big adult turtle. However, you need to have ample of space at home for it. If it can fit your space, you can always invest in a 20-gallon turtle tank which is preferred by most starters and veterans.

What Factors Should I Consider Before Purchasing a Turtle Tank?

Size

A turtle needs sufficient space to swim, hide, eat and bask. If you can find enough space for your friend, it’s unlikely they will feel stressed or cramp in small areas. Veterans recommend 10x the length of the carapace of the turtle on gallons. A 2-inch baby turtle will live well in a 20-gallon tank.

A 10-inch adult turtle, on the other hand, will require a 100-gallon tank. Remember that baby turtles can grow quite fast, so if you might want to plan ahead and get a larger tank or have a plan to buy another one soon when the turtle outgrows the space. Moreover, if you have more than one turtle, you should choose a sizeable tank.

Basking Space

Turtles like to crawl out of the water and breathe fresh air and bask. Without this, its health will deteriorate, and it might eventually die. Having a sufficient dock to cater to basking and breathing is necessary and should be set up on one side of the kit to create more space.

UV Light

Naturally, turtles will bask to stay warm and comfortable, but this may not be comfortable when inside the tank. A UV light is an excellent addition because it substitutes the natural sunlight warmth. With a UV light bulb, your turtle can always crawl out of the water and bask in the docking space.

Filters

Turtles can get quite messy, so you’ll need a filter to keep the water clean and safe for your turtle. As said above, you need an efficient filter that can clean faster and is designed explicitly for turtle tanks. You need to clean the filters often because it can harbor harmful algae over time, harming your juvenile turtles. Remember to check the cartridges and clean them often.

Tank Decorations

For aesthetics, turtle tanks need to look as natural as possible because they can be a center of attraction in the household. Luckily, many tanks come with decorations, including plastic aquatic plants and rocks, among others. Ensure the decorations are firmly held, sturdy, and large enough because turtles can become aggressive and uproot the substrate in the tank.

Durability

As with many things, durability is a key consideration for turtle tanks. Consider the tank is constructed using durable materials to provide service for a long time. If unsure, go for the well-known brands, although these can be more expensive. As for unknown brands, you need to check out reviews from other users to decide.

Conclusion – Do Turtles Drink Water?

Today you’ve learned that turtles drink water, and they take the water they swim in. Therefore, ensure your turtles get a supply of fresh, warm, and clean water to thrive. The best option is to use distilled and dechlorinated water. If you decide to use tap water, ensure you use a conditioner to remove harmful chemicals before using it for turtles. You should prioritize keeping the water clean as whistle because contaminated water can expose your turtle to illnesses.

Having a well-functioning filter that can clean the water repeatedly is key to ensuring water quality. Besides, changing the water regularly is crucial for tank maintenance. Keep in mind that the species of the turtle will determine the water temperature requirements. For instance, most land turtles retain body heat for much prolonged durations than aquatic turtles. Usage of thermometer is recommended to ensure the right temperature. Also, ensure your tank is deep and wide enough to accommodate the adult turtle.