Urgent Care :: Suddenly dirty tank. New to forums

[Splunge]

Hi all. New to the forums here.

My son has a RES about 2 years old. It's maybe 6 inches long. It's in a 40 gallon tank, I think. Temperature is around 72 I believe with a heater and a in tank flyer with a coarse sponge (not sure how helpful it is)
We weekly do a half tank water replacement and use turtle clean with the changes.
We use a UV light, have a styrofoam basking platform with a heating coil heater.
He's been healthy and still seems well but this week, when I've been left to look after him (my son is at camp) the tank water has gotten very dirty and has an unpleasant odor. The turtle is eating less than when my son feeds him but is still eating, most recently this morning.

I've changed the water twice in the past 2 days. I suspect I may have over fed him and the food may be contributing but I've fed him and haven't gone overboard. I also thought a nearby window usually has the blinds closed but was open for ventilation may have caused algae overgrowth so I closed it.

Any other thoughts? Thanks in advance!

[steve]

Welcome to the site. Do you know if you have a male or female? 6" is pretty large for a 2 yo. Water should be a tad higher, aim for 75 but make sure you use an accurate thermometer, those digital ones with a probe are pretty inaccurate. What kind of UV light are you using? I'd skip the Turtle Clean stuff too.

It's possible the tank is cycling but it could be some messy waste if the turtle is experiencing loose stools.

[Splunge]

Thanks so much for the reply.
I'm at work now.
I'll double check the temp, water level and get a better idea of the shell size and water depth when I'm home.

BTW, the water's better after the second change/filter cleaning.

[steve]

Glad to hear it! Let us know the other details when you can.

[Splunge]

The 6" shell size was an estimate but seems about right. We jhad her for about 2 1/2 years but don't know how old she was when se got her from the pet shop.
I rechecked and the water temp is about 75 (using a decal color changing thermometer that came with the tank set up). The water level is about 8" deep. I didn't check the basking temp as the heater was off whne I got home but I think it runs abound 80-85, but not sure how accurate the readings are.
The UV bulb is a compact fluorescent we got with the original purchase but I don't know the brand or output.
I cehcked the FAQ here on the site and based on the claws, I think he's a she.
Curious, what's the down side to the Turle Clean?

BTW, the silt's settling and the water looks clearer. Still has some odor. The turtle's feesding more excitedly now too!

[steve]

Fluorescent UVBs need to be replaced about every 6 months. Turtle Clean adds bacteria that you should let naturally develop in the tank.

[Splunge]

Steve, not trying to be dim, but did you mean Turtle Clean adds or removes bacteria, and is that a good or bad thing.

[ljapa]

Steve, not trying to be dim, but did you mean Turtle Clean adds or removes bacteria, and is that a good or bad thing.

He did mean "adds." There are bacteria that naturally develop in. Tank that help to break down waste. Turtle Clean also contains bacteria that help break down the waste.

I think I there are a few concerns. Turtle Clean isn't going to have the same veriety of bacteria you get naturally. The bacteria it does have will compete with that natural bacteria. Plus, if you have to keep adding it, it isn't self sustaining. The natural stuff is.