What chemicals work best for turtles?

by Louis Magliato
(Glendale, NY)

I own the XP4, and I use BioZorb, 30ppi, Micro & Super Micro Filters, along with bags of charcoal.

This whole combination seems to last for only two weeks, then the tank smells pretty bad.

The water is clear.....just stinks.....smells up the house.

Our two painted turtles are a little under 4", in a 20 long tank.

I even try to do a water change within the two weeks, but doesn't seem to last more than a few days - the smell comes back pretty quickly.

I also use NitraZorb, and the stars & the rings.

I was told I don't need the stars, rings and NitraZorb.

Someone please assist.....I thought my recent purchase of the XP4 and use of all the above mechanical, biological & chemicals would at least give me a month between complete changes....

A: There have been many Q&A's already posted in the alternate setup section regarding turtles. This includes information on what types of media to use. The proper approach though, is to test the water first to find what pollutants might be causing the oder. Once you know that you can make some changes that might help. Also, you should really consider vacuuming the gravel and tank to take some of the load off the filter. Third use some type of enzyme/bacteria product to hasten the breakdown of the organic material left by the turtles in the tank.