FAQ Centre
Turtle-keeping Q&A and troubleshooting
General
Filtration
How often should I clean the filter?
Clean the filter pads every 2–4 weeks. Biological media (ceramic rings, bio-balls, etc.) only needs attention every 6–12 months or even longer — rinse it gently in water taken from the tank, and don't clean it too often, or the nitrifying bacteria will be destroyed. Tanks with a high stocking density or frequent feeding need shorter intervals.
The filter is noisy — what can I do?
1) Check that it sits level and stable; 2) check the intake tube for trapped air; 3) check the impeller for debris; 4) clean the impeller chamber regularly. If the noise persists, contact support.
The filter isn't pumping water — why?
Common causes: 1) blocked intake tube; 2) jammed impeller; 3) water level too low; 4) air lock (air trapped in the tubing). Start by cleaning the impeller chamber and the intake and outlet tubes, then restart.
How do I choose the right filter?
Turtles produce far more waste than fish, so aim for a flow rate of 8–10× the water volume per hour. Choose by tank size: small tanks (30–60 cm) can use an internal filter; medium tanks (60–100 cm) suit a hang-on or canister filter; large tanks need a higher-flow canister. Pay attention to low-water-level compatibility.
Heating & Temperature
What temperature should I set the heater to?
A suitable water temperature for turtles is 24–28 °C; in winter, set it to around 26 °C. In summer, when the natural water temperature is already suitable, the heater can be switched off.
How often does a heater need replacing?
A good heater lasts 3–5 years. Replace it immediately if the casing cracks, the thermostat drifts, the heating element discolours, or the indicator light misbehaves. Check the casing integrity and temperature accuracy once a year.
Can a heater burn my turtle?
Proper heaters have temperature control and stop heating once the water reaches the set point. Recommendations: choose a PTC ceramic heater or one with a guard; mount it away from where the turtle usually rests; don't let the turtle get wedged between the heater and the glass; and check the casing regularly.
The heater has stopped heating — what should I do?
1) Check whether it has already reached the set temperature (normal shut-off); 2) check the power supply; 3) check the temperature setting; 4) check whether the temperature probe is blocked; 5) confirm the water level is sufficient; 6) check the indicator lights (distinguish the power light from the heating light). If it still won't work, replace the heater.
Feeding
How often should I feed my turtle?
Hatchlings (shell under 5 cm) can be fed once a day; adults are better fed 2–3 times a week to prevent obesity. Adjust the frequency to the turtle's size, activity level and the season.
How much food should I give?
As a rule of thumb, each meal should be about the size of the turtle's head. Watch whether the turtle finishes within 10 minutes, and remove any leftovers promptly so they don't foul the water.
My turtle won't eat its food — what's wrong?
Possible causes: 1) temperature too low (appetite drops below 20 °C); 2) settling into a new environment; 3) seasonal refusal (breeding season, before hibernation); 4) deteriorating water quality; 5) unsuitable food; 6) a health problem. Suggestions: keep the temperature suitable (28–30 °C for hatchlings), check the water, and try tempting it with palatable fresh shrimp or fish. If it refuses food for more than 2 weeks, get a health check.
Can I mix pellets with vegetables and fruit?
Yes. Aquatic turtles are omnivores that lean toward meat; pellets are the staple, and you can add a moderate amount of vegetables (lettuce, cabbage, etc.) and fruit (apple, banana, etc.), with vegetables and fruit making up no more than about 20%. Note: high-oxalate fruits (such as strawberries) should be limited so they don't interfere with calcium absorption. Remove leftovers promptly so they don't foul the water.
Lighting
How long should the basking light be on each day?
8–12 hours a day is recommended, mimicking the natural photoperiod. The best window is roughly 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What does UV light do for a turtle?
A UVB lamp helps the turtle synthesise vitamin D3, which supports calcium absorption and helps prevent metabolic bone disease and soft-shell disease; UVA stimulates appetite and normal behaviour; visible light and infrared provide basking heat. Note: UVB lamps need replacing every 6–12 months (UV output decays), and must not be used through glass (glass blocks UVB).
How far away should the basking light be?
Adjust by lamp type: T5 HO tubes 15–30 cm, T8 tubes 20–30 cm, mercury-vapour/sun lamps 30–60 cm. For albino turtles, use a 5% UVB lamp and increase the distance a little. Follow the product instructions — too close risks overheating and burns, too far weakens the effect.
Habitat Accessories
How should I choose a basking platform?
Consider: 1) the tank's size and shape; 2) the turtle's size and number; 3) the mounting type (hang-on or floating island); 4) the material (acrylic, plastic or resin). The platform should be large enough for the turtle to be completely out of the water.
Will decorations affect water quality?
Reputable decor materials (platforms, fake rock, substrate, etc.) generally don't affect water quality. Suggestions: rinse new decor with clean water first; avoid materials that release harmful substances; and clean and maintain it regularly.
How big a tank does a turtle need?
Aim for a tank length at least 3–5× the turtle's shell length. For example, a turtle with a 10 cm shell needs a tank at least 30–50 cm long. Also consider water depth (for shallow-water species, about 1.5–2× the shell height).
Variant Turtle Care
What's the difference between a variant turtle and a normal one?
Variant turtles (albino, golden, caramel, etc.) tend to be frailer, are sensitive to light, may have poorer eyesight, and cost more — they are not recommended for beginners. They need more careful temperature control and water-quality management.
Is it normal for an albino red-eared slider to have red eyes?
Yes. Albinos lack melanin, so red or pink eyes are a characteristic feature, not a disease. Their eyesight is poor, though, so you may need to guide them by hand when feeding.
How long should a variant turtle bask?
Adjust by UVB intensity rather than a fixed number of hours. For albino turtles, use a 5% UVB lamp and reduce exposure time to avoid skin burns; do not use UVA spotlights. Golden, caramel and similar morphs can use a 10% UVB lamp and bask normally. A light-coloured substrate is recommended to protect an albino's eyesight.
Can variant turtles hibernate?
Not recommended. Variant turtles are frailer, and hibernation carries a very high risk that may lead to death. Keep them heated year-round, holding the water temperature steady at 25–28 °C.
How do I tell a real variant from a fake one?
A true albino: red/pink eyes and even, natural colouring. Dyed fakes: uneven shell colour with obvious painted marks. Buy in person where possible and inspect the turtle's health and colouring on the spot.
My variant turtle won't eat — what should I do?
Albinos have poor eyesight and need to be guided by hand. Check first: 1) whether the temperature has reached 28–30 °C (the best temperature for triggering feeding); 2) whether the water quality is normal. Tempt it with strongly scented krill, freeze-dried food, or fresh shrimp/fish; guide it patiently, and allow 5–10 minutes per feeding. If it refuses food for more than 2 weeks, get a health check.