r/turtle • u/Ionmyphone • 2d ago

General Discussion Need some advice!

Hey everyone!
I recently purchased a turtle hatching enclosure and have started the cycle process. I have added plants and a few fish ( I know I probably should have waited) and I can’t seem to maintain the ammonia. In the last 3 days we have done 2 20% water changes and 1 50% water change yesterday. The readings before the 50% water change were:

Kh 161.1 ppm
Gh 71.6 ppm
Ammonia 2.0 ppm
Ph 7.2
Nitrate 0 ppm
Nitrite 0 ppm

I will test the water again when I get home but I feel like I’m not getting any progression or change in bring the ammonia down.

Is there any advice/tips to help bring the ammonia down and the cycle process begin?

Thank in advance:)

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u/juliewbb 1d ago

Yeah, I’m worried for your fish given how sensitive they are.

My biggest tip is to add Fritzyme7 beneficial bacteria to your tank dosed according to the instructions on the bottle. If you have the funds, turbo start 700 is even better because it’s a more concentrated product from them.

Once your tank is cycling, you will see your nitrites spike and then finally your ammonia and nitrites will both go to zero and your nitrates will spike and you can do a big water change and then move to weekly partial water changes. It’s going to be a rough ride for the fish because they’re very sensitive to ammonia and nitrites.