musk turtle

Question
I have a male musk turtle. I recently changed his filter from submersible to one with a waterfall effect. Ever since it has been changed so has his eating habits. He only eats every few days compared to everyday if not twice a day. We've tried not running the filter unless the tank is looking a little dirty but that hasn't helped the situation. Is there anything else that can be done?

Answer
Hi Sarah,

That's a pretty interesting question.  Musk turtle habitat tends to be in slower moving water, so it's quite possible that the current created is bothering him.  He may adjust in time, but you should be able to rig up some kind of diffuser to mitigate the current effect.  This is the general idea:

http://xhobbies.weebly.com/diy-filter-diverterdiffuser.html
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jRpHRi-tVqc

Don't turn the filter off!  Once the water looks dirty, it's really filthy and that's just not healthy for him.  You don't want him developing skin or shell problems.  Try the diffuser idea and let me know if he's still not perking up.