Providing Clean Water to Reptiles & Amphibians: the Nitrogen Cycle

findi

Arachnodemon
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 31, 2009
Messages
698
Hi, Frank Indiviglio here. I’m a herpetologist, zoologist, and book author, recently retired from a career spent at several zoos, aquariums, and museums, including over 20 years with the Bronx Zoo.
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. Read the rest of this article here http://bit.ly/1gTDELU
Please also check out my posts on Twitter http://bitly.com/JP27Nj and Facebook http://on.fb.me/KckP1m

My Bio, with photos of animals I’ve been lucky enough to work with: http://bitly.com/LC8Lbp

Best Regards, Frank
 

The Snark

Dumpster Fire of the Gods
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
11,497
A good reminder. As simple as keeping track of the Ph to monitor nitrogen levels and the difference between healthy animals, ones growth stunted, and even a hazardous environment.
 

Najakeeper

Arachnoprince
Joined
Dec 10, 2010
Messages
1,050
Maybe not the exact topic but I have a very simple rule of thumb when it comes to water changes. If you cannot provide clean water to all of your animals at least every other day and disinfect the water dishes once every week, you need to scale down your collection.
 

findi

Arachnodemon
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 31, 2009
Messages
698
Thanks, folks...great points- seems common sense, but so often over-looked, best regards, Frank
 

pyro fiend

Arachnoprince
Joined
Dec 29, 2013
Messages
1,216
Maybe not the exact topic but I have a very simple rule of thumb when it comes to water changes. If you cannot provide clean water to all of your animals at least every other day and disinfect the water dishes once every week, you need to scale down your collection.
verry much agree tho iv heard some say 2wks with small dishes and desert species? [evaporation i guess they r going for] but i think every few days should be more then enough.. those who have too big of a collection and opt for toss dishes kinda saden me =\ unless those are thrown in a dishwasher later =\
 

findi

Arachnodemon
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 31, 2009
Messages
698
verry much agree tho iv heard some say 2wks with small dishes and desert species? [evaporation i guess they r going for] but i think every few days should be more then enough.. those who have too big of a collection and opt for toss dishes kinda saden me =\ unless those are thrown in a dishwasher later =\
Hi, thanks for your interest. Please note - I would not wash reptile dishes in a dishwasher or sink that is also used for your own glassware, etc. Too many variables as to micro-organisms that could be present, etc. Best, Frank
 

pyro fiend

Arachnoprince
Joined
Dec 29, 2013
Messages
1,216
Hi, thanks for your interest. Please note - I would not wash reptile dishes in a dishwasher or sink that is also used for your own glassware, etc. Too many variables as to micro-organisms that could be present, etc. Best, Frank
very good point! never thought about that. glad iv always used a dif sink anyways out of convenience for myself haha

note to self scratch the dishwasher idea for later down the road XD
 

findi

Arachnodemon
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 31, 2009
Messages
698
very good point! never thought about that. glad iv always used a dif sink anyways out of convenience for myself haha

note to self scratch the dishwasher idea for later down the road XD
My pleasure...I've always taken great care at the zoo; vets there provided very good info re all - the extreme conditions that some micro-orgs can withstand is quite amazing!@ Enjoy and please let me know if you need anything, best, Frank
 

The Snark

Dumpster Fire of the Gods
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
11,497
Hi, thanks for your interest. Please note - I would not wash reptile dishes in a dishwasher or sink that is also used for your own glassware, etc. Too many variables as to micro-organisms that could be present, etc. Best, Frank
Autoclave. The biologists best friend. Not to mention all the weird things you can cook in it besides dishes.
 
Top