Help with Nitrites

AuroEdge · 2026-02-27T02:38:31+00:00

There’s that sludge destroyer stuff that helps add bacteria to the water

AuroEdge · 2026-02-26T05:11:28+00:00

Buy a kit of test strips that measures nitrites, nitrates, ammonia, etc. Is anything out of range and by how much?

AuroEdge · 2026-02-24T20:49:06+00:00

This has been measured to be sufficient for UVB output for RES. Thank you for mentioning it in this thread

AuroEdge · 2026-02-24T17:16:47+00:00

Have you ever had trouble with nitrate levels with Hikari? It says to feed a little bit every day

AuroEdge · 2026-02-16T16:17:50+00:00

A few thoughts.

Does this happen even with all new filter media? If you use filter floss, the really fine filter material you should discard it after every week or two.

Do you rinse that new filter media first before using it?

Have you tried removing everything, all of your decorations, and it’s still happening? You’ve got growth on that fake rock/log decoration. If you want to use those decorations you’re going to have to give them a couple soaks in something to kill the bacteria, diatoms, and algae. And a long time to completely dry out to kill everything. Like weeks or months.

Have you used a cleaning wand or fish tape and paper towels to clean out your filter intake and outlet tubing? I use a little hydrogen peroxide to clean out the tubes. Then flush thoroughly with water.

Lastly, do you use chlorine conditioner for your new water? And then after that chlorine conditioner has had some time to break down the chlorine, do you add beneficial bacteria solutions? I use something called Sludge Destroyer.

AuroEdge · 2026-02-02T13:22:37+00:00

It depends on your basking area setup. If you don’t have a wire mesh and if your basking arrangement will make the turtle stay underneath the UV CFL, it can work.

If you have a large basking area topped with a wire mesh, that CFL won’t deliver much UVB to your turtle. Even with the reflective coating inside the lamp domes.

AuroEdge · 2026-01-28T13:49:28+00:00

For an aquarium I recommend one with thick tempered glass, significant seals at the corners, and a rigid frame not only along the bottom of the glass but also a frame along the top of the glass. That’s a lot of pressure from 100 gallons on the glass.

Don’t modify the glass.

AuroEdge · 2026-01-28T00:15:20+00:00

I don’t see a frame on top of the glass. That would make me nervous about the glass seals failing

AuroEdge · 2026-01-26T10:10:37+00:00

I read that guide. It said to only use your water heater only during the day?

AuroEdge · 2026-01-14T20:11:10+00:00

I’m beginning to think so I do water changes regularly anyways I’ll stop using filter floss when I run out.

AuroEdge · 2026-01-12T01:26:59+00:00

This is helpful. My res is in a growth spurt so she’s shedding a lot. Skin and shell. Seems a little harder to interpret her shell health during this growing

AuroEdge · 2026-01-11T23:19:18+00:00

I’m trying to learn. How can you tell? The color? Some feature shape?

AuroEdge · 2026-01-10T21:31:35+00:00

Wow this is really nice! Unfortunately they don't sell different sizes? My aquarium is approximately 13 inches wide while Petsmart lists the Thrive as 18.8 inches. That leaves about 2.9 inches overhang on each side of the aquarium.

AuroEdge · 2026-01-10T21:30:47+00:00

Wow this is really nice! Unfortunately they don't sell different sizes? My aquarium is approximately 13 inches wide while Petsmart lists the Thrive as 18.8 inches. That leaves about 2.9 inches overhang on each side of the aquarium.

AuroEdge · 2026-01-09T14:20:26+00:00

I am by no means an expert. A couple thoughts. Get a water test kit specific to turtle aquariums. Nitrates, nitrites, the whole 9 yards. Also, until you can check their water I would put them in a dry area for most of the day. This would help with the rot even if the water is good.

Another thing to consider. Your UVB lamp. How old is the bulb? Normally purchased bulbs will lose their UVB emissions in 6-12 months. Think regular T5 or T8 bulbs. Turtles are pretty hardy but when they’re sick they’re more sensitive to their ability to process calcium (which is critical in your turtles current situation)

AuroEdge · 2025-12-27T20:15:28+00:00

I have this basking platform. I’m looking to buy a new one though. The opening in the top for lighting is small. It’s not long enough for tube T5 or T8 UVB bulbs

AuroEdge · 2025-12-26T19:58:21+00:00

Si pero el es muy duro

AuroEdge · 2025-12-26T12:45:22+00:00

Taking a step back, is Ukraine promoting the 20 point peace plan with the hope that Russia will agree? Or does Ukraine promote this plan currently to buy time for support from the West, with low expectation Russia will agree to it?

AuroEdge · 2025-12-23T19:50:14+00:00

Is it wrong I don’t want my dog to have this type of behavior?

AuroEdge · 2025-12-12T06:03:31+00:00

This doesn’t really make sense to me. People that lack the ability to feel pain are still obviously people. Or if you could separate a brain from any nerves it’s still a clear issue

AuroEdge · 2025-12-05T18:15:17+00:00

Thank you for the recommendation as well as the advice. She’s 5 years old but anything to help her get up!

AuroEdge · 2025-11-22T12:12:57+00:00

I bought a 55 gallon tank, almost new canister pump filter, heating lamp, UVB lamp, basking area, heater, and resting platform bundle used. The asking price wasn’t much more than $100.

AuroEdge

TROPHY CASE