Survival

[Aaron4321]

I was thinking (May be totally stupid but here we go...), we have to keep our aquariums perfectly clean but how do turts (Cooters are what i have) survive in the wild? As im sure not everywhere they live will be perfect conditions... Or do they only survive because the conditions are that perfect?

Conditions in a pond or lake cant really be that good...

[Trillian]

In the wild, the water current would be sufficient to clear away any dirt and detritus plus the rainwater would constantly replenish the water supply. Also, wild turtles have a much larger area to navigate so can seek out new areas of clean water. In aquariums, the tank filter has to do the job but it's not 100% efficient which is why the turtle owner also has to be involved in keeping water conditions as clean as possible.

[Gaz_dbd]

in river or lake water there is the whole food web present so youd have different species working at the same time

so for example youd have filter feeders, which would take in debris in the water column and also animals that feed on other dead animals not to mention shed loads of bacteria and algae and plants all working in synch

it is an interesting thought none the less

[James_T]

As has been mentioned, most of these rivers and lakes work as a perfect ecosystem. Also one of the major issues in tanks is fecal waste and urine, and what is nothing in a million litre + body of water, could kill a turt in a couple of hundred litre tank.

[Aaron4321]

I just find it really interesting. Wish i could create the perfect ecosystem, but is isn't going to happen

[Frase]

buy a nature reserve, or a couple of acres of land, its a start