BEST TURTLE SUBSTRATES!! | Turtle Basics

[@joeygo0999]

I am using some generic sand for reptiles that I found on petco, my slider loves it so far!! :D the video explanation is so good!! Thanks teen Dan :D

[@tylerbowman6719]

Was literally looking for this exact kind of video! Straight to the point and got the good and the bad thank you so much !

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Thank you! :D

[@zackshubb9272]

Oh wow, this might be the best video on all of KZbin. So informative and helpful, and gets straight to the point and hits on the important topics (even referencing specific turtle species) so us caregivers know what is best. Thank you so much!

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

That's what I aim for Zack! I'm glad I could be helpful

[@serenaburdett2262]

So cute!! Your turtle was being social at first

[@mac444222]

I like eating gravel myself

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Relatable content.

[@russnewcomb2986]

Same

[@TheSoftballgranny]

@@DanTheTurtleMan_ bruh

[@TheSoftballgranny]

Mac444222 nice

[@elindigeno1215]

I found these awesome river rocks from Home Depot for 5 dollars. They are pretty big that the turtle won't be able to eat. Does that work? Nevermind you answered. I just had to watch longer. 😀

[@turtleanton6539]

Yes indeed. What a great video 🎉

[@irisliang2833]

Best...vid...ever!! I want to convince parents to get me sand but they don’t allow...☹️

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

That sucks 😭

[@kailien.mhassan8531]

You are a pro at making 🐢 care videos ever!!!!!!🐢🤩🥳😇

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Thank you!!!

[@tobiastobias2937]

Thanks for being so informative. Greeting from Indonesia! 🇮🇩

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Thanks for watching!

[@ratmannlibertyhound6755]

Great information. Keep it up.

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Thank ya!!!

[@QueAquatics]

Do you worry about impaction with the terrapins and crushed corals?

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

No I do not, only because Terrapins are the only species of turtle I have found that is specialized for consuming inorganic solids such as clam shells, oyster shells, etc. I have also seen it in their waste so I know what goes in, does come out!

[@QueAquatics]

@@DanTheTurtleMan_ awesome! I will be removing the gravel and adding the crushed coral. Do you think the ph change will effect them much?

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

@@QueAquatics Likely not! Turtles aren't really sensitive to that stuff ;)

[@luckyduck8297]

You are the best advisor. Thanks

[@nicholasbonilla89]

Idk if you gonna read this, but if you do can you please recommend a good type of sand to purchase. I keep hearing super fine sand but I wanna make sure I get the right one.

[@krisborth737]

Is sand ok if you have fish with your turtle? Also how do you clean the sand?

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Sand is fine, I clean by stirring it up and doing a water change or carefully using a gravel vacuum on the debris at the bottom

[@Crystalspets]

Great video we can all learn from this video ☺☺

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Thank you Crystal!

[@philyblunnt]

I use glass gems. IDK if there's any pros to it other than it looks nice and my turtle like digging through it. Great video Dan!

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Thank you so much!

[@Ochibason]

Onlly thing if they are actual glass one cracking or shattering would introduce something really sharp in the tank. Glass dust could cut get into the or on the eye. Ingested not good internal bleeding.

[@nuckie_miamii]

Thank you man I love this I'm getting sand for RES....

[@aarona5351]

I have tiny gravel which I have a live aquarium "grass" carpet on top. Would this be safe for my future turtle? Thank you!

[@CecilJChen]

Thanks for producing your videos. I've found them to be quite helpful and informative. I'm considering lining the bottom of a new 200L aquarium with pool filter (quartz) sand, and I was wondering if you could recommend a grain size and general composition. Even if you could let me know a brand that you use. It would really help with my research. I have to mention that I'm currently based in Asia and terms and brands common in North America may not be apply locally, but more often than not, I can source a local equivalent based on specifications.

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Hi Cecil!! So to be honest, any sand works, it matters what your preference is as far as size and grain type. As long as you rinse it well, you should have no problems :)

[@CecilJChen]

@@DanTheTurtleMan_ Hi Dan. That's really reassuring to know, thanks. I'm partial to the quartz type pool filter sand TurtleGirl has mentioned a few times in her videos as well, but I'll try a few different types and see with which the turtles seem more comfortable.

[@randomrazr]

@@DanTheTurtleMan_ is it possible the turtle could eat the sand?

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

It is, and if they do it passes through their digestive tract very easily :)

[@therepresentative1619]

I have painted turtles and I use quarter size smooth rocks and fake plants. Like he said, food will get stuck down inside your rocks, but that’s only if you’re overfeeding.

[@mindya1799]

How thick a sand substrate would you recommend for a 12 inch yellow slider?

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Sand is purely for aesthetic and decorative purposes, so up to 2 inches I would say or else you can get anaerobic bacteria!

[@mellisaperez4100]

looking for THIS video THANKS!!!!!!!!!! Y de bestttt.

[@mskouds]

i said in in turtle girl videos with the same title...lol you two are literally doing same videos... use akadama use kitty liter use any clay bases substrate...so even if they eat it it will actually be great for them as it would be a calcium source...

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Never heard of that, but I will look into it! Thank you 😊

[@khidstar4423]

Yayyyy another video

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Thank you!!!

[@marcusboling3789]

Where you get the basking log

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Local fish store!

[@P61guy61]

Thank you for posting

[@luckyduck8297]

Cant agree more with you on this . Thanks for sharing wonderful helpful advice 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢

[@easy_isaiah_game_yt6930]

Nice video

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Thank you!!!

[@briannwhitead7939]

What about aquarium soil? I’m setting up a new tank for my rescue and that’s all I have.

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

They'll likely make a mess of it honestly! You'd be better with bare bottom at that point I feel like

[@cholos17]

Correlation doesn’t prove causation though. Other variables come into play such as bad/horrible husbandry. For example: if you don’t feed your turtle for weeks then yea it might eat a bunch of gravel; however my Slider has lived with gravel for over a decade and she rockin 🤘There many examples of this. Very helpful video tho thanks!

[@Frumbell]

Does it work for turtles that are 0.1 metres

[@Melly1225]

hahahhahah the cute turtle in the beginning goes into the water and he says shit! ahahahahhaha

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

😁😁😁

[@krisborth737]

Can you have a bare bottom tank with fish

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Yes

[@vitocasola4309]

Great video, TY! I will be getting a DBT soon, and was considering getting a map as well in the same aquarium. Would the crushed coral be dangerous for a baby DBT and also for the map, as a baby, or even an adult? Thx. Liked this video!

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

For the DBT it will not be harmful at all, for map turtles I'm not actually too sure whether they can pass small objects like gravel or crushed coral. Thank you for watching!!!!

[@myoceanadventure3367]

Is Beach sand for RES ?

[@johnnorton4891]

Great videos! I have a DBT myself and your advice has been very useful. I've been using cuttlebone for beak maintenance but will try the crab/shrimp to make it more interesting for him. Keep up the good work!

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Thank you John!!!

[@TheFrogfeeder]

My thoughts… Gravel: turtles eat small rocks for ballast to help stay submerged Sand: provides surfaces for biological filtration None: easy to clean but gotta clean more because no bio filtration happening That being said, I use sand

[@ScratchinAway]

my yellow bellies eat crabs and crayfish as a treat all the time so im sure red ears very easily could too

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

I'm sure! However it's not exactly a staple of their diet or easy for them to do

[@seanodonnell6689]

Great video.

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Thank you!

[@bfernandez615]

Can I use dirt ??

[@jhtzlx]

Do you know of any black aquarium sand that is safe for turtles?

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Yes! Look up black blasting sand I think it's called

[@jhtzlx]

@@DanTheTurtleMan_ Mad thanx dude. I'm getting back into turtles after a 7 year hiatus. I have been researching black blasting sand on Turtle forum but can't find a definite brand. Is there anything on Amazon you could recommend? I'd really like to go with black sand that is safe to use, but there are so many options I'm unsure. Is Flourite Black Sand ok? Your vids have been super helpful getting back into the hobby.

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

@@jhtzlx Flourite black is more for growing plants. Blasting sand I believe comes from hardware stores or like hardware supply places?? Something like that. Welcome back to turts, glad I could help!

[@alexslotwinski5040]

Is calcium sand safe for turtles

[@nuckie_miamii]

I bought sum the other day but still have not applied it yey

[@rahulgkhs]

Does red eared slider eat crushed coral? I am new to the hobby and any help is appreciated, thanks.

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

No they do not!

[@rahulgkhs]

@@DanTheTurtleMan_ thanks

[@valentiniy6446]

Does it matter what colour the rocks are if you use rocks?

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Nope! But colored ones can have dyes in them I feel like, also I personally enjoy natural looking gravel :)

[@TThompson79]

What a great video! Thank you :-)

[@elijahmooney3331]

I have lots of drift wood that is on top of the water and my turtle spends all his Time on it and never goes to the bottom butt he is a very young baby snapping turtle. And he has no issues .

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Interesting...do you have a basking light?

[@elijahmooney3331]

Yes

[@elijahmooney3331]

I do have one and he is still only a young baby snapping turtle that they spend a lot of time as babies in shallower water and he does still go down to the bottom to hunt little fish in the Aquarium and I do plan to reallocate him once he gets bigger. I found him right after he was born and I could not find any of his siblings and that’s how I got him so I’m just caring for him until he can survive on his own.

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

@@elijahmooney3331 Well actually you'd be better off releasing him before he becomes too accustomed to captivity. That or keep him forever!

[@elijahmooney3331]

I do plan on releasing him after the winter gets over near me. I live in Michigan and there’s a lit of snow so I don’t want to release him now because he would probably die .

[@stephenketley9025]

I thought anaerobic bacteria was good for full nitrogen cycle? helps reduction of nitrates?...

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Aerobic bacteria is good, correct. It uses oxygen, but anaerobic does not use oxygen and are harmful

[@stephenketley9025]

@@DanTheTurtleMan_ I would suggest taking up a debate with a KZbin channel called 'thepondguru' sells his own bio media with a hardened core to support anaerobic bacteria, claims reduction in nitrates. I personally don't know enough about arguments for or against :)

[@pondguru]

You are both correct so there is no need to argue on this. The information in this video is good. A deep gravel or sand bed which is neglected will eventually build up rotting organic matter and turn from aerobic to anaerobic, eventually building up harmful gases and going 'bloop', releasing them into the water. For air breathers like turtles that wouldn't be fatal (although the tank would end up stinking) but for anything with gills (e.g. fish) it can cause a wipeout of the tank through poisoning. Simple regular maintenance avoids the 'dead spots' which build up too much anaerobic bacteria and for gravel a weekly use of gravel vacuum pushed into gravel substrate, for sand base running fingers through it and vacuuming organics off is all that is needed to keep substrate healthy. With regard to filter media supporting aerobic bacteria and anaerobic bacteria the anaerobic bacteria occurs in tiny pockets deep in the media so never gets a chance to build up to dangerous levels and will never have a mass release event of gas considered dangerous if it is released in large amounts. Therefore having filter system which supports aerobic and anaerobic bacteria is perfectly healthy and will result in a full cycle if the filter is suitably sized. Aerobic part of biological filtration for ammonia and nitrite reduction and anaerobic part of biological filtration for nitrate reduction - that is a FULL cycle. The big problem with the way anaerobic bacteria are viewed comes from people believing that a full cycle is only 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite (that is half a job) and the false information which seems to be put out by some of the big channels on KZbin regarding the support of anaerobic bacteria in filters. If I had £1 for every time I heard that anaerobic bacteria is impossible to support in a canister filer, no media will support aerobic and anaerobic bacteria or that anaerobic bacteria is harmful to fish I'd be a rich man, lol A 'nitrate reactor' is basically a slow flow filter which allows water to enter oxygenated and leave deoxygenated so the media in there is encouraged to support more anaerobic bacteria in a safe environment - that works with any media in a nitrate reactor but it takes media with a specific structure to support anaerobic bacteria in a fast flowing oxygenated flow (e.g. in a canister filter) . Basically the media needs to be porous and allow for pockets of very slow flow within the media but most types of media does not have a suitable structure for this. Anyway, there is no need for me to go on about this - stay safe guys and have a good one.

[@stephenketley9025]

@@pondguru all praise Richard🙏

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

@@stephenketley9025 Interesting! I'll look into it

[@devon226]

sand is a little fine and gravel can be risky if not big or not smal enough, so for cleaning purposes i prefer nothing as substrate lol but im thinking abt getting sand :))

[@flux82able]

hahaha.. same.. my turtles' tank are kinda bare bottom now i am thinking to add in some sand too.

[@MrTurtledude]

wouldn't the sand get stuck in the filter?

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Occasionally. I usually use a rock to lift the filter above the sand

[@dwaynetherockjohnson3336]

I use shards of glass as substrate

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

High quality comments 🙏🙏👏👏

[@Ochibason]

Stop eating it.

[@jujubeda01]

Very informative, thanks cutie

[@connerjones9572]

I use tile

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Always a good move :)

[@kimdecena1798]

what about peat moss?

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

I find it dirties the enclosure too much, however it works well in a large outdoor pond!

[@kimdecena1798]

@@DanTheTurtleMan_ I keep my cuora amboinensis outdoors. so I looking for the right substrate.

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

@@kimdecena1798 aaah I see! So for on land peat moss is fine, in water cuora need nothing

[@katarinaschmid8659]

Im confused.People in animal store told me just rocks no sand😢

[@wiseviper5403]

Getting a terrapin soon, but do you use fresh or brackish

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

I do fresh!

[@daniellperez2339]

Brackish?

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

@@daniellperez2339 Brackish is a mix of fresh and salt water!

[@chicken_tender2g855]

Hi

[@chicken_tender2g855]

I just put river rocks that are big so they can’t eat them

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

@@chicken_tender2g855 Good idea! Thanks for watching :D

[@cocun738]

any form of matter, my turtles will eat.

[@yobosanski2488]

I use nothing but I do have like some rocks

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

I've done that as well! Works just fine

[@yobosanski2488]

DanTheGuppyMan yah I took almost all the rocks out because I saw some that broke I believe she was tryna eat it

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

@@yobosanski2488 Just be careful!

[@TheARGblue]

Large river rock for a RES should be fine

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Totally

[@harleykostuk5889]

My turtles use to poop out stones all the time I'd actually see it fome out not saying it's safe just saying they do eat it

[@petarkordov3432]

Everybody talks about the gravel problem and i never had problems with gravel for like 17years... How come they dont swallow larger gravel like rocks in nature? Gas in the sand, well thats no problem at all and even forms more in gravel. Ever walked in a river or lake before and notice the bubles??

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Honestly I find that gravel impaction, or the risk of it, simply isn't worth the risk. Turtles will consume one or two small pebbles now and again but when in an aquarium and unstimulated, they tend to stray from normal behavior. Sand beds can form anaerobic bacteria which are toxic to fish, not so much turtles, however still a factor worth mentioning. The gasses that accumulate under sedimentary beds in rivers and streams is usually methane from the decomposition of organic materials, which is unlikely in an aquarium or turtle enclosure (unless you have a lot of plants and do not do maintenance often enough). Methane could potentially be harmful, however it is different from the bacteria that form from inert substrates such as sand.

[@petarkordov3432]

@@DanTheTurtleMan_ I have Emys Orbicularis (Eu pond turtles) they seem to be smarter than RES and most spicies I dont know. For so many years i wached them get the grawel in the mouth but never ever swallow it. I had a RES wich is a invasive pest in here, they really seem to be alot more stuped and bad hunters... But they overpower Emys buy size and faster growth.

[@turtleanton6539]

Sand only. Avoid GRAVEL😊

[@billnovakos7408]

I put mud for substrate lol I trolled you

[@IanTheTurtleMan]

Another good substrate is river rock there large and most turtles can’t eat it

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

Correct!!

[@DanTheTurtleMan_]

@@CopperCanyonTerrapins True! Man that's it, I'm making a broke man's guide to turtles 😂 I'm done with people buying fish and turtle specific products!