How to Avoid Mold in Turtle Tanks

Mold in your turtle tank creates an unhealthy environment for your pet. Understanding mold helps you take steps to prevent it. Molds belong to the fungi plant group and grow best in warm, humid closed environments where appropriate nutrients exist. Mold grow on many surfaces and cause damage and musty smells. Unsanitary conditions, including those created by decay from molds, increase risk of infections for a a turtle that acquires even a minor injury, according to author A. C. Highfield.

Things You'll Need

  • Ventilated tank cover
  • Sand or soil type bedding
  • Non-decaying turtle food
  • Second feeding tank (optional)
  • Water bowl for food (optional)
  • Lighting source
  • Water filtration system (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide your turtle with adequate living space. Depending on the type of turtle, container sizes range from approximately 10 gallons to 50 gallons. Increased size helps provide space for both water and drying area and makes cleaning easier. Clean tanks help avoid decaying materials that provide a growing surface for mold.

    • 2

      Use a top on your turtle's tank that permits adequate ventilation. Adequate air circulation helps prevent the growth of mold, according to Wanda Eubank and Betty Feather of the University of Missouri.

    • 3

      Select dwelling material that decreases the growth of mold and bacteria. Wood chips and pellets retain moisture and provide surfaces for mold to grow. Sand and other soil surfaces provide safer bedding, according to College Of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University.

    • 4

      Avoid feeding your turtle foods that decay and increase the risk of mold, such as raw meats, fatty food and lettuce, according to Michigan State University. Feed your turtle in another tank if possible to decrease contamination and mold growth. Provide a separate bowl with water for feeding an aquatic turtle to decrease water contamination.

    • 5

      Provide adequate lighting or direct sunlight to part of the tank to help prevent mold. Although turtles require various humidity levels, depending on the type of turtle, light and ventilation helps decrease mold growth. Keep the tank and water clean to remove mold and help prevent new growth. Use a filtering system or change water at least two times each week. Clean the bedding weekly, and replace all bedding at least once a month. Clean the surfaces of the tank and shelter, bowls and other items in the tank at least once a week.