fresh water aquarium (keeping the glass clean)

Question
i have a 50 gal tank that i keep turtles in
my problem is keeping the tank clean,,i have water spots everywhere
i have tried everything other than using chemicals
please help

Answer
Hi Kathy,

As you probably know, the water spots are caused by mineral deposits. Distilled water does not make mineral deposits, however I would not recommend using distilled water in a turtle tank, it's not healthy for them. If you make a spray of 50% white distilled vinegar and 50% distilled water it can be used to wipe the glass with a clean towel.

If you can get a filter that does not make so much splash, for example the Whisper internal filters (you can find them at Walmart, you probably need at least two of the biggest kinds they have) which you can put all the way inside the tank, and then just fill the water up right to the rim of the filter...that would be your best bet.

You can also use a canister filter, which is actually the best kind of filter for a turtle tank...make sure it is a kind that can be connected to a spray bar so that the water sprays back gently instead of dribbling in a waterfall fashion. The Cascade canister filters are inexpensive (compared to Eheims and Fluvals) and do a fine job, they also come with spray bars. Get the biggest one you can afford!

Unfortunately, there is no other way to avoid this problem. Turtles are so messy and need so much water changed, you definitely shouldn't be buying bottled water to change their water with, and I believe the earth elements and minerals in your tap water are healthy for them. Keeping turtles in water that's too acidic (with a low pH) has been known to cause problems and make their shell soft in places.

For more information on aquatic turtle care, read this article:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/RESCareBarton.htm

I hope that helps! Take care.
Nicole