This is a very common problem for new turtle owners. I also had this problem when I got my first turtle, but over time as I got more experience with turtles, I learned how to get rid of them, and stop them from appearing. So I decided to write this short guide to help other people faced with this problem.
Bubbles in a turtle tank are most commonly caused by ammonia, cleaning products, having too many plants in the tank, and poor water quality, or by a combination of those factors. To get rid of the bubbles you have to adjust your water filter, treat the water, remove the excess plants and stop using cleaning products.
Now, let’s go over each possible cause of the bubbles, in more detail and see what you can do to get rid of them.
Ammonia
The most common reason why bubbles appear in a turtle tank is ammonia.
Ammonia naturally forms in the tank when your turtle urinates. So there is no way to completely remove it, but there are ways to partially remove it.
The best way to regulate the ammonia levels in the tank is to have a proper water filtering system.
You most likely already have a water filter in the tank, but just any water filter won’t do, you need to have one that is powerful enough to keep up with the mess that your turtle makes.
Filters are rated based on how much water they can cycle, so we have 20-gallon water filters and 60-gallon water filters. The problem is that most of those filters are rated for fish tanks, not for turtle tanks. And the amount of mess a fish mess doesn’t even compare to the mess a turtle makes.
For a turtle tank, you should get double the power that the tank needs. So if you have a 40 gallons tank you should get a filter that is rated for 80 gallons, not for 40. If you have a 60 gallons tank then you should get a 120 gallons water filter, not 60.
You can always go higher, this will only keep the tank clean for longer. But going lower will usually mean that you will have to clean the tank a lot more often, and mold will start to grow soon.
You can find my recommendations for the best water filter on the Recommended Gear page.
But the water filter is not the only thing in the tank that can get rid of the ammonia. Naturally occurring bacteria will also get rid of a good part of the ammonia.
These good bacteria are found in the water, as well as in the filter. The only problem with these bacteria is that it can be very easy to get rid of them by mistake.
To make sure that the bacteria in the tank is able to do its job properly you should never change the water in the tank completely, I usually recommend removing only two-thirds of the water, and keeping the rest when cleaning the tank.
You should also never clean the filter with fresh water. If you want to clean the filter you should do so with water from the tank.
If you change the water completely and clean the filter you will get rid of all the good bacteria. Which won’t be able to help with maintaining the quality of the water.
Water Quality
Another problem that could be causing the bubbles in the tank is the quality of the water.
Despite its simple appearance, water can have a lot of things in it, some bad, like chlorine, and ammonia, and some good, like minerals.
Some of the things that can be found in water, can facilitate the appearance of bubbles. More often than not, the problem is the chemicals used to make the water safe for drinking.
The best way to see if this is the problem is to test the water. And you can do so using those strips: 16 in 1 Drinking Water Test Kit, this kit contains 100 strips, so it should last you for a couple of years. Or you can use whatever kit that you like, as long as it measures the following values:
- Ammonia 0
- pH between 6 and 9
- Chlorine and ammonia level of 0
- Nitrite level of < .5 ppm
- Nitrate level of < 40 ppm
If the quality of the water is the problem, you can easily solve this problem by treating it. For the past few years, I’ve been using API products, to lower the chlorine levels in my water, and the results have been great, so I would recommend you to check out their Amazon Store Page if you need any treatment for your water, there you will find chlorine treatments, pH treatments, and many more.
Cleaning Products
All cleaning products have things in them that make them produce bubbles.
If you use anything besides water to clean the tank, the decorations in the tank, or the filter, there is a good chance that we found the problem.
Most cleaning products are built to last even after you wash them with water. You’ve probably seen a few cleaning product commercials where they say things like: “our soap will keep your hands clean for 24 hours, this solution will keep your floors sparkling clean for weeks”, etc. And up to a point, this is true. Most of those products stick to the objects that you used them on.
So the only thing that you can do is to stop using them when cleaning the tank. While they will help you clean the tank faster, but they will also remain in the tank, which is not good for a lot of reasons.
If you are having a hard time cleaning the tank, instead of cleaning products you can use a sponge made for scrubbing dishes, like this one. This is what I use to clean my turtle’s tank, and its decorations, and it’s been doing a great job.
Too Many Plants
Another possible reason why you have bubbles in your tank is having too many plants.
Aquatic plants have a lot of proteins in them, and proteins are one of the things that help bubbles form.
The solution to this is to have fewer plants in the tank. But how much is too much?
On average you shouldn’t have more than one plant if your tank is smaller than 40 gallons. Overall I try to have one plant for every 40 gallons of water, and I don’t have any problem with bubbles anymore.
Final Thoughts
And those are the reasons why there are bubbles in your turtle’s tank.
One final thing that I would like to mention is that even if you fix the problem, by treating the water, removing some plants, etc. it will take some time for the bubbles to go away completely. Overall you will have to wait a week or two for the changes that you made to take effect. But just be patient and the problem will soon disappear.
If you need any help with your turtle don’t hesitate to leave a comment in the section below, I regularly check the comment sections and answer all questions.
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Do you have thoughts or advise on algae growing in the tank. I didn’t have this issue until recently. I have a 20 gal long tank with two filters and seems to alway be green lately. No rocks or other plans and the water level is not very high as my littlest turtle don’t seem to like it and won’t climb on the platform floating rock to get out of the water any.
Algae growth in turtle tanks is a common issue, but there are several steps you can take to manage and reduce it:
Maintain Proper Filtration: It’s good that you have two filters in your tank, but make sure they are appropriately sized for the tank’s volume and that they provide adequate water circulation. Filters help remove debris and excess nutrients that promote algae growth.
Regular Water Changes: Regular partial water changes are essential to remove excess nutrients, such as nitrates and phosphates, that fuel algae growth. Change about 25-50% of the water every 2-4 weeks, depending on water quality.
Reduce Lighting: Algae require light for photosynthesis. Try reducing the amount of time your tank’s lights are on each day. Aim for around 10-12 hours of light. Also, make sure the tank is not exposed to direct sunlight, as this can accelerate algae growth.
Monitor Feeding: Overfeeding can lead to excess nutrients in the water. Be mindful of how much you’re feeding your turtles, and remove uneaten food promptly.
Algae Eaters: Consider adding algae-eating animals, such as certain species of fish (like plecos or otocinclus) or snails (like nerite snails). These creatures can help keep the algae under control.
Live Plants: Live aquatic plants can help compete with algae for nutrients and provide a more natural appearance to the tank. Some turtles may also nibble on the plants.
Scrubbing and Maintenance: Periodically scrub the tank’s glass or acrylic to remove algae buildup. Use a dedicated algae scrubber or a gentle sponge. Make sure to rinse the sponge thoroughly, as some chemical residues can harm your turtles.
Water Quality Testing: Regularly test your water parameters, especially for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, to ensure they are within safe ranges.
UV Sterilizers: Ultraviolet (UV) sterilizers can help control algae by killing the free-floating algae spores in the water. They are an effective way to prevent algae blooms.
Patience: It may take some time to establish a balanced ecosystem in your tank. Be patient and continue with regular maintenance.
Remember that not all algae are harmful, and a little algae growth in a turtle tank is normal. However, excessive algae can affect water quality and aesthetics. By following these steps, you can keep algae under control and maintain a healthier environment for your turtles.
My turtle suddenly stopped wanting to swim and I’ve noticed a lot of bubbles in his tank, and he’s always sitting under the heating lamp, should I change out his water? He does little to no activity now… it’s very sad seeing him this way
A sudden change in your turtle’s behavior and the presence of bubbles in the tank can indicate various issues. It’s essential to address these concerns promptly. Here are some potential reasons for your turtle’s behavior and what you can do:
Water Quality: Poor water quality is a common cause of turtle health problems. Ensure that the water is clean, well-filtered, and the right temperature. Regular water changes and filtration maintenance are essential.
Temperature: Make sure the water temperature is within the appropriate range for your turtle’s species. A heat lamp or basking area should provide the necessary warmth for your turtle to regulate its body temperature.
Respiratory Infection: Bubbles in the water can be a sign of a respiratory infection. Symptoms may include nasal discharge, wheezing, or lethargy. A reptile vet can diagnose and treat any health issues.
Inadequate Basking: Turtles need access to a basking area to dry off and receive UVB light, which is essential for their health. Make sure your turtle has a basking spot with proper UVB lighting.
Stress or Environmental Changes: Changes in the environment, tank, or routine can stress turtles. Ensure that your turtle’s habitat is stable and provides hiding spots for security.
Diet: Ensure that your turtle is receiving a balanced diet appropriate for its species. A poor diet can lead to health issues.
Parasites: Internal parasites can affect a turtle’s health. A vet can conduct a fecal examination to check for parasites.
Dehydration: If your turtle is spending too much time out of the water or not basking, it can become dehydrated. Check the humidity level in the enclosure and encourage your turtle to spend time in the water.
Given the changes in behavior and bubbles in the tank, it’s a good idea to consult with a reptile veterinarian. They can perform a thorough examination to identify any underlying health issues and provide appropriate treatment. In the meantime, ensure that the tank conditions are optimal, maintain water quality, and provide a proper basking area.
Hello there, I am new to turtles. I have a baby stinkpot in a 20 gallon with two reptifilters 90 GPH, I have the tank about 3-4 inches with water, natural sand substrate, spider wood, fake plants and some zebra danios and bladder snails and a rock basking platform. I provider the baby musk with a 75 basking bulb and reptisun 10.0 coil bulb with a basking spot. I’ve noticed after 4 days some foam building up around the surface of the water? Is this normal? Also the baby stink pot is spending a lot of time on the basking platform within the last day or two. I have some testing strips on the way to check water parameters. I was wondering your thoughts on this? Is the a reason to be concerned?
Foam forming on the surface of the water in your turtle tank can have a few potential causes, but it’s not uncommon and typically not a major concern. It’s important to assess various factors to ensure the health and well-being of your baby stinkpot musk turtle.
Possible causes of foam in a turtle tank include:
Biological Activity: Foam can form when there’s a high level of biological activity in the water, including the breakdown of organic matter, uneaten food, and waste. This activity can lead to the production of surfactants and proteins that create the foam.
Water Aeration: The agitation of water from the filter outflow, air pumps, or water movement can introduce air into the water, causing foam.
Organic Matter: Overfeeding or the presence of organic materials, such as uneaten food or debris, can contribute to foam formation.
To address these issues:
Regular Maintenance: Ensure you’re doing regular water changes and cleaning the substrate to remove excess organic matter.
Proper Feeding: Don’t overfeed your turtle, as uneaten food can break down in the water. Remove any uneaten food promptly.
Filtration: Make sure your filtration system is working correctly and is appropriately sized for your tank.
Water Quality: Once you receive your water testing strips, check the water parameters, including ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, pH, and water hardness, to ensure they are within acceptable ranges for your turtle.
The increased basking behavior in your baby stinkpot musk turtle could be due to various factors, including thermoregulation, general activity, or curiosity. Musk turtles are known for being somewhat shy, so spending time on the basking platform is a normal behavior for them. However, if your turtle remains out of the water for an extended period and doesn’t swim or dive as usual, it’s essential to monitor its behavior and overall health.
In summary, while some foam formation is common in turtle tanks, monitor water quality, and maintain proper husbandry to ensure a healthy environment for your baby stinkpot musk turtle. Keep an eye on your turtle’s behavior and general health, and consult a vet if you have any concerns about its well-being.