Best Water Conditioner For Turtles

Water quality is the most important aspect of keeping a turtle safe. Being a pet owner, clean water in the turtle tank should be your priority. Using tap water for a turtle tank is the cheapest and most affordable solution for everyone. However, chances are very high that your tap water is processed with chemicals to make it suitable for human consumption. 

Chemically processed water is safe for humans, but it is not the case with turtles. These animals are susceptible to chemicals. Chlorine and chloramine in water are not suitable for them to live. Keeping them in such water could lead them to death. 

For making water chemical-free and turtle safe, it is essential to use a water conditioner. Few drops of water conditioner help remove harmful chemicals including chlorine, chloramines, ammonia, nitrite, and heavy metals from the water. In this article, we recommend the best water conditioners you can use for your turtle. 

Related Article: How To Make Tap Water Safe For Turtles?

Is a water conditioner safe for turtles?

Yes, using a water conditioner is safe for turtles. Water conditioners are specially designed to remove toxic chemicals like chlorine, chloramine, ammonia, nitrite, and heavy metals from the water, which otherwise can cause health issues for your turtle. These chemicals make your turtle sick and kill good bacteria present in your biological filters. 

Turtles could not withstand chemical dissolved water. Though turtles are less sensitive towards chlorine than fishes, they still get affected by these harmful chemicals. The easiest solution to ensure chemical-free water is to use a water conditioner. 

There are two types of water conditioners available: fish and turtle water conditioners. You can use any of them as both are equally good to use. Below are some of our recommended water conditioners. You can check them out if you want.  

Best water conditioner for turtles review

Zoo Med ReptiSafe Water Conditioner

Zoo Med is a well-known brand for reptile products. ReptiSafe from Zoo Med help remove chlorines and chloramines from the water instantly. It detoxifies harmful chemicals such as ammonia and nitrites from the water, making it safe for turtles. Reptisafe works fine for balancing the pH level of the water without additional chemicals.

According to the company website, Reptisafe adds essential ions and electrolytes in the water, which helps hydrate turtles. It also stimulates slime coat development for amphibians such as aquatic turtles. Slime coats help them protect against bacterial infections and other types of diseases.

How to use it?

You can use one full cap of Zoo Med Reptisafe for every 10 gallons of water. You can double the quantity every 10 gallons of water for hard water. It is safe for your turtle and won’t harm them anyway. 

Zilla Reptile Terrarium Aquatic Water Conditioner

Zilla reptile aquatic water conditioner is a great product suitable for all kinds of turtle species. It removes chlorine, chloramines, and heavy metals from the water effectively. Zilla water conditioner comes with a dosing cup, ensuring the correct quantity every time you use it.  

How to use it?

Shake the bottle before using it. Use the bottle cap to measure 10 ml of Zilla reptile water conditioner for every 10 gallons of water. It is ideal for treating water in a separate container before putting it into the tank.

API Tap Water Conditioner

API tap water conditioner is specially designed to treat tap water. It effectively removes chlorine, chloramines, and other chemicals to make tap water safe. It can be used safely for fishes, turtles, and other aquatic animals. This water conditioner helps balance the pH level, making the water soft for turtles. It ensures that tap water does not cause skin irritation by preventing algae and promoting healthy bacterial growth. 

How to use it?

Use 3 ml of API tap water conditioner for every 15 gallons of water. It is safe for turtles, so you can double the strength if needed. 

API Sludge Destroyer

API sludge destroyer is a unique product for removing sludge from the water. It is not like a regular water conditioner; rather, it removes high levels of solid waste produced by turtles and helps reduce the smell coming from the turtle tank. This product uses natural beneficial bacteria as an active ingredient that breaks down turtle waste and eliminates odors. Using this in conjunction with an API tap water conditioner is advisable for best results.

How to use it?

Use its dosing cap to measure 5 ml for every 10 gallons of water. It can be used safely while turtles remain in their habitat. 

Tetra AquaSafe Plus Water Conditioner/Dechlorinator

Tetra aqua safe plus is designed for treating tap water. It removes chlorine, chloramines, and heavy metals from the water, making it suitable for turtles and fish. The company claims that it encourages slime coat development which is beneficial for preventing bacterial infections. With natural biopolymers and essential vitamins and minerals, it is the best solution for cleaning turtle tank water.  

How to use it?

Use one teaspoon (5ml) for every 10 gallons (38 liters) of water.

Tetra ReptoClean Water Treatment For Reptile Aquaterrarium

Tetra repto clean water treatment is well suited for all kinds of turtle species. It has beneficial bacteria that accelerate the breakdown of organic matter, such as food waste, reptile excrement, and dead plant parts in the tank. This product helps detoxify harmful chemicals from the water. Tetra repto clean is a two-in-one product that works wonderfully in removing sludge buildup and harmful chemicals from the water. When used with a TetraFauna AquaSafe Reptile water conditioner, it gives the best results.

How to use it?

Use 10 ml per 10 gallons of water. 

Tetra 16172 AquaSafe Water Conditioner

Tetra aqua safe uses a unique formula that instantly removes chlorine from the water. This product works wonderfully in removing ammonia and sludge buildup. It’s a two in one solution for conditioning water and removing sludge from the water. According to their manufacturers, AquaSafe helps protect your turtles against unnecessary stress.

How to use it?

Use two teaspoons (10 mL) for every 10 gallons (38 liters) of aquarium water.

TetraFauna AquaSafe Reptile & Amphibian Water Conditioner

Tetrafauna water conditioner effectively neutralizes harmful chlorine, chloramines, and heavy metals such as copper, iron, and zinc found in tap water. It has unique colloids which protect the turtle’s skin and shell. Tetrafauna water conditioner is suitable for all turtle species. 

How to use it?

Use one teaspoon of tetra fauna solution to treat 10 gallons of water.

Conclusion

Being a turtle owner, it is your responsibility to provide them with a suitable environment to live in. Using tap water directly could cause them health issues, so it is best to use a water conditioner. We have suggested some of the best water conditioners available in the market. You can get any one of them by following the link, or you can check them at your nearby pet store.