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Providing Clean Water to Reptiles and Amphibians – The Nitrogen Cycle

 

Mexican Axolotl

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Successful aquarists know the importance of monitoring the nitrogen cycle, and the lessons I learned while working for fish importers and sellers have served me well when caring for all manner of creatures.  When I began my career in zoos, I was surprised to find that reptile and amphibian keepers, while aware of the necessity for clean water, did not generally pay attention to understanding water chemistry and its effects on animal health.  That situation is much changed today, but professional and private herp keepers can still take some lessons from our aquarist friends. Awhile back, I helped establish an amphibian exhibit at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Ct.  I was not surprised when the aquarists there, despite lacking prior amphibian experience, excelled at their care and breeding.  Today we’ll look at how the nitrogen cycle functions and review some useful care techniques and products.

 

How Critical is Reptile and Amphibian Water Quality?

It’s important to understand that most amphibians, especially largely-aquatic species such as African Clawed Frogs and Mexican Axolotls, absorb water and dissolved chemicals over a much greater surface area than do fishes (scale-less fishes, such as eels, loaches and most catfishes, are similar to amphibians in this regard).  In fact, when we administer fish medications to aquatic amphibians, we always begin with a 50% or so dose…the amount recommended for fishes might kill or injure amphibians.

 

It follows that amphibians are often more sensitive to ammonia and other water-borne toxins than are fishes. My experience bears out the fact that ammonia poisoning is responsible for a great many sudden, unexplained amphibian pet deaths.  Reptiles are less susceptible to water quality problems than are amphibians, but certain species, such Tentacled Snakes and Soft-shelled and Fly River Turtles, seem sensitive to ammonia and pH levels.

 

Fly River Turtle

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What is the Nitrogen Cycle?

The nitrogen cycle can be summarized as the process by which nitrogen is converted to other organic compounds that are then utilized by plants and animals as food.  Nitrogen enters the water via dead animals and plants, decaying food, and animal feces and urates.  In herp enclosures, animal wastes are usually the primary sources of nitrogen.

 

Ammonia, the most toxic of the nitrogen-based compounds, may be ionized or un-ionized; it is most dangerous to aquatic animals in its un-ionized form. More of the water’s total ammonia becomes un-ionized as the temperature and pH increases.

Two types of aerobic (air-breathing) bacteria, which live on gravel, filter pads and other substrates exposed to oxygenated water, control the nitrogen cycle. Collectively, they are termed nitrogenous bacteria.

 

Nitrosomas bacteria convert ammonia to less-toxic compounds known as nitrites.  Nitrobacter bacteria convert the nitrites to nitrates.  Nitrates, the end product of the nitrogen cycle, are the least toxic of the nitrogenous compounds.

 

Managing the Nitrogen Cycle in Your Pet’s Home

Aquarists use the term “conditioning period” to describe the time that it takes for healthy populations of both types of nitrogenous bacteria to become established in a new tank.  This period varies in length, but usually falls in the range of 2-6 weeks.

 

Your aquarium’s conditioning period may be shortened by the addition of commercially-available live aerobic bacteria.  I’ve had good experience with Biozyme Freshwater Bacteria and Nutrafin Cycle.  Micro Lift Bacterial Water Balancer, specifically formulated for turtles, should also be considered.

 

You can also help the process along by introducing filter material from a well-conditioned tank and, where conditions permit, by using “live rock” and “live sand” (please post below for further info).  The frequent use of water quality test kits is essential. The pH level should be checked often as well, since the water may become acidic during the conditioning period.

 

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Undergravel Filters

Although some of my younger readers will no doubt consider me a dinosaur for saying so, I still use and recommend undergravel filters in many situations.   They are simple to maintain, largely invisible to the eye, and essentially turn the entire substrate into a giant biological filter.  Where useful, power heads can be added to increase water follow though the gravel bed or to create a reverse-flow system (please see the article linked below).

 

Many public aquariums still maintain huge exhibits with undergravel filters alone.  At various zoos and in my own collection, I have used undergravel filters on large exhibits housing Tentacled Snakes, Northern Water Snakes, adult Snake-Necked Turtles, Largemouth Bass, and other creatures that are very hard on water quality and clarity.

 

I also favor fluidized bed filters, which are mounted outside the aquarium. They rely upon the same principles as do undergravel filters, and are especially useful where substrate is not used in the enclosure.

 

 

 

Further Reading

Using Undergravel Filters in Reptile and Amphibian Terrariums 

 

Using Bottled Aerobic Bacteria

10 comments

  1. avatar

    Hello, Frank. I’ve been reading your blog, and it is very informative and useful! Thanks. I also have a question. I would like to get a lizard (or multiple) but many of the common species (leopard geckos, bearded dragons, green anoles) are not appealing to me. I researched some other species, and found two I really liked: The Mali Uromastyx (as well as uromastyx in general) and the Neon Blue Gliding Lizard (Holapsis guentheri). I can only get one tank, so I was thinking about one uro in the 18″x18″x18″ Exo Terra Desert Starter Kit, and two or three gliding lizards in the 18″x18″x24″ Exo Terra Rainforest Starter Kit. Are those good(ish) beginner species? Which one do you recommend? Can I house the lizards like that? Is there any specific care information I will need for either species? What else will I need, and how much will the setups cost (total)? Any advice is appreciated!

    • avatar

      Hello James,

      Uromastyx are not ideal for beginners, and the tank described would be far too small. Please see this article for further info on what would be needed. Blue gliding lizards are not often kept, so we still have a bit to learn. They seem rather hardy, but need lots of cover and are not at all handle-able (shy, stress prone) This article will give you an idea of the supplies that will be needed; there are links to the products so that you can calculate the expense involved. If you are still interested in gliding lizards, please let me know and I’ll send along care info, best, Frank

  2. avatar

    Thanks for the information; guess Uromastyx are out of my league for now. What article on the gliding lizards are you referring to? I’d love to know some more care info, if it’s not a problem. Thanks for the quick reply.

  3. avatar

    Thanks for those links, they certainly are helpful. I found a different one online specifically for blue gliding lizards. I was hoping if you could tell me if it’s reputable. Sorry for asking so much of you, I promise this will be my last question. Here’s the link: http://lllreptile.com/info/library/animal-care-sheets/lizards-and-monitors/-/neon-blue-gliding-lizards/

    • avatar

      Hello James,

      Please write is as often as you wish,…I enjoy the correspondence, and other readers will benefit from your questions and observations as well.

      The care info there is basically sound. However, avoid mealworms, use waxworms only rarely and provide more variety. Please see the anole article re diet, and let me know if you need further info. I would not recommend letting temps go below the low 70’s by night, even though they can tolerate a bit lower.

      Please keep me posted, Frank

  4. avatar

    Thanks. I really appreciate that. I also would like to know your opinion on Phoenix worms, also known as reptiworms. According to the internet, they have a great calcium:phosphorus ratio. Are they a good staple? I have a spotted salamander, Ambystoma maculatum. Are they suitable for him?

  5. avatar

    Hi Frank,

    I have been searching for the Proper Water Quality Levels for Reptiles, but I cant find any info regarding this… I am specifically looking for information about the Water Quality for Chinese Water Dragons… I am in the process of building a large 6×6 enclosure for my Water Dragon, which will have a filtered 40gal Pool for her… But what are the safe Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite, and PH levels…???
    It really confuses me that this information is not available, considering how large and dedicated the reptile community is…

    Thanks in Advance!

    • avatar

      Hello Louie,

      Sounds like a great project.

      Good question…the parameters you mention do not seem critical for most reptiles, other than certain sensitive, highly aquatic species (tentacled snake, softshelled turtles, Fly River Turtle, mata mata turtle, etc). Water dragons almost always defecate in their pools, so despite filtration you’ll need a simple way to drain and clean on a regular basis. Fouled water is not good for any reptile, but there seems no need to check nitrates etc…these spike after the animal passes waste; draining and cleaning the pool is the best way to limit any related health concerns. Please keep me posted, frank

About Frank Indiviglio

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Being born with a deep interest in animals might seem unfortunate for a native Bronxite , but my family encouraged my interest and the menagerie that sprung from it. Jobs with pet stores and importers had me caring for a fantastic assortment of reptiles and amphibians. After a detour as a lawyer, I was hired as a Bronx Zoo animal keeper and was soon caring for gharials, goliath frogs, king cobras and everything in-between. Research has taken me in pursuit of anacondas, Orinoco crocodiles and other animals in locales ranging from Venezuela’s llanos to Tortuguero’s beaches. Now, after 20+ years with the Bronx Zoo, I am a consultant for several zoos and museums. I have spent time in Japan, and often exchange ideas with zoologists there. I have written books on salamanders, geckos and other “herps”, discussed reptile-keeping on television and presented papers at conferences. A Master’s Degree in biology has led to teaching opportunities. My work puts me in contact with thousands of hobbyists keeping an array of pets. Without fail, I have learned much from them and hope, dear readers, that you will be generous in sharing your thoughts on this blog and web site. For a complete biography of my experience click here.
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