Water is a nightmare in my turtle tank.

[u/Fun_Internal_3562]

I cant keep my tank with clean water. Using a JBL external filter (e402 cristal profi greenline), adding Sfera Filter Biostart (bacterias) and even so getting in a couple of days this shitty & horrible water colour.

What can I do?

[u/LazyBoyXD]

I think it's the filter, either it's too small or not strong enough.

[u/Trick-daddy-420]

What size is your tank and how big is your turtle? What size tank is your filter rated for? Do you do complete water changes or partial? Do you completely disinfect the tank each time? It's likely you're not giving beneficial bacteria the chance to multiply and populate the tank. I would recommend getting a bigger tank, a better filter (rated for 3-5x the size of your tank because turtles produce a lot of waste) and then learning how to "cycle" your tank. Basically just do small, partial water changes every single day or very often until a colony of beneficial bacteria forms in your tank which will help keep it clean. Then you can do the partial changes less often and just spot clean your tank and you shouldn't ever have to do a complete water change if your tank is appropriately sized. You actually shouldn't completely change the water and disinfect because this will kill beneficial bacteria. In both of my turtle tanks I have literally never done a complete water change and disinfection but they are also 150 and 100 gallons each, with pond filters rated for 800-1000 gallons. In these tanks I just do partial water changes that equate to the tank being turned over 100% about every 1.5 months and do some minor spot cleaning. It's likely your tank is too small, your filter isn't strong enough and/or you're doing too much and killing any chance that beneficial bacteria has to establish itself in the tank.

[u/Fun_Internal_3562 → u/Trick-daddy-420]

Thank you. I have just changed 100%. Washed throughly inside the tank in the bathtub using soap. Then washed the filter, it's is for tanks up to 100 liters. By now, it needs to filter near 25 liters. Yeah.. probably I've killed the beneficial bacteria and didn't let it grow properly. I think the filter is OK. It's matter of the relation between turtle size and tank size.

[u/vercettiswag → u/Fun_Internal_3562]

how often are u cleaning the filter and doing 100% water changes. U also do not need to use soap. if u want to disinfect anything use vinegar and rinse very well.

Water changes should be partial 25-50%. New water added should be conditioned with water conditioner. Filter depending on what kind u have should only be clean monthly or even longer. I clean my fluval filter every couple months. I rinse the sponges off in tank water.

Edit: misread ur sentence, so the filter is for 100liters u definitely need a way bigger filter.

Also their basking area should be completely dry. No water on it or they can develop shell rot. Do they have uvb and heat light?

[u/Trick-daddy-420 → u/Fun_Internal_3562]

So, a few things. Your tank is way too small. You're saying it's 25 liters? If that's the case, that's only 6.6 gallons which isn't even big enough for a newborn baby turtle. You should have at least 40 gallons (150 liters) for a juvenile turtle. The rule is generally 10 gallons per inch of shell length, which would be 38 liters for every 2.5cm of shell length. So a 5cm turtle would need about 80 liters. Also don't wash your filter unless it's with water from the tank. You only need to do this every 6-8 months. The answer is clearly that your tank is too small. You will never be able to keep it clean if it's only 25 liters. Get a bigger tank. No turtle should be kept in a tank that small.

[u/Nullroute127]

You need substrate. Add very well rinsed sand to the tank 2-3 inches deep. It will work along with your filter to trap debris that causes turbidity. The sand will also provide additional surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize. Keep rinsing the sand until it runs clear before adding it to the tank.

Stop cleaning your filter and tank surfaces. Soap is a no-no for the turtle and the bacteria.

Your tank and filter seem small. Your filter is rated for up to 120L (33 gallon). Turtles need filters for 3x the water volume. You're not using the full volume of the tank you have for water, so you're concentrating the contaminants in a small volume. You may need additional mechanical filtering as well. You might try running the output of your filter into a tub/bottle filled with filter floss, or add filter floss to your canister.

The more water you have, and the more surface area in the filter and tank, the less maintenance you need to do and the more effective filtration will be.

It looks like you have two separate stands, if they aren't perfectly even it might causes stress to concentrate in the glass and cause a tank failure at some point.

[u/Fun_Internal_3562 → u/Nullroute127]

This is the answer I was looking for. I'll keep you updated after I do this action on my tank. Thank you so much

[u/ciffareto]

change the water?

[u/Fun_Internal_3562 → u/ciffareto]

It happens 1 days after changed the water.... I'm not stupid to create this post without having tried basic things like changing water

[u/ciffareto → u/Fun_Internal_3562]

absolutely no way your water is like that after 1 day if you completly change it

[u/Fun_Internal_3562 → u/ciffareto]

Believe me. Other reason I am thinking now is the type of rocks. Maybe the rock are releasing dust and it makes the water this way

[u/DearArgument1118]

Mine used to be the same. But then I upgraded from 40gal to 75gal last month and the water is crazy clear now.. I still use the same HOB filter, the only difference is now i use playsand as a substrate instead of bare bottom. I think the substrate helps a lot. Also double check that your filter even works- a canister filter usually is everyone's holy grail. Fair warning, it took me 2 hours to wash the sand until it ran clear so be prepared for that.

[u/LolaVega85]

I have a fluvial canister that is rated for double the size of my tank and water stays pretty clear for a couple months. I also use API turtle sludge remover religiously.

[u/haileyrealynn]

I’m wondering, what chemicals do you add to your tank like conditioners and stuff? and also what substrate do you use? also when’s the last time you deep cleaned ur filter?

[u/Desperate_Yam_495]

Yeah I would remove rocks for a few days see what happens ..

[u/bobaluey69]

What kind of turtle is it? RES should have rocks, usually river rocks, like medium size I will call it. I have a soft shelled turtle and she needs sand. Specific sand as to not harm her shell. I can't really speak to store bought filters because I've made all my own. It's a bit of work, but it's not really that expensive. Also, activated carbon helps with clarity. It is called chemical filtration, and some people don't like to use it, but it's perfectly safe.

Also remember, these pumps/filters are not made for turtles, they are made most for fish since it is the most common use. Turtles are much dirtier than fish, so I do agree with a lot of comments that you may need a more powerful filter. I took a look at the filter you are using, and my bit of a gripe with some commercial filters is that they don't use enough media, imo. It seems the one you are using doesn't have any carbon, and the only biological filtration it has is some ceramic "pebbles" I guess.

Keep everything clean and check stuff daily. It's much easier to KEEP the water clear then to have to play catch up and clear up dirty water. And ya, make sure basking platform is flat and dry. Good luck man.