How to Neutralize High pH in a Turtle Tank

In turtle tanks, the water can quickly gain a high pH level from waste and bacteria. Per Hydrogen (pH) is the level of acidity (low pH) or alkalinity (high pH) of a substance. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with a pH of 7 being neutral. For a turtle tank, water with a pH level of 6 to 8 is desirable, though this will depend on the species of turtle. Higher pH levels can be hazardous to a turtle's health and extremely high pH can lead to death.

Things You'll Need

  • pH testing strips
  • Bogwood pieces
  • Peat moss
  • Carbon dioxide injector
  • Acid buffer
  • Softened water or reverse osmosis water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove a glass of water from the turtle tank and allow it to settle for one minute. This will permit any leftover currents to diminish.

    • 2

      Purchase a pH testing kit or a set of pH testing strips. Follow the directions to test the pH level of the water in the glass. Testing kits can be purchased from your local pet supply store.

    • 3

      Add several small pieces of bogwood to the tank. Bogwood is naturally acidic and will lower the pH of the water. Bogwood is also available at pet supply stores.

    • 4

      Add peat moss to the filter mechanism. Filtering water over peat moss will lower the pH, and it is easily maintained by removing the old moss and adding new moss. Peat moss can be found at pet or garden supply stores.

    • 5

      Inject carbon dioxide into the water. Carbon dioxide can be injected using a system found at pet supply stores. It is also beneficial for any living plants in the tank.

    • 6

      Mix the water with softened water water. Adding softened water will help to maintain smaller changes in pH, but it will not fix high pH levels.

    • 7

      For very high pH levels, test the water twice a day. As the pH level returns to normal, it should be tested occasionally, to ensure the turtles are in a safe environment.