FILTRATION

Adequate filtration is absolutely essential to the health of diamondbacks.  Good water quality provides a stress free, pollutant free and oxygen rich environment that will support vibrant and healthy terrapins.  Unfiltered water however, will be rich in toxic ammonia and nitrite gases derived from terrapin waste.  Both ammonia and nitrite have devastating effects on the health of terrapins and can cause bacterial and fungal infections, both internally and externally on the shell and skin.  Neonate diamondbacks are especially sensitive to poor water quality and the keeper must be extra diligent in ensuring premium water conditions for them.
   The most essential method of filtration is biological filtration.  Biological filtration is basically the culturing of nitrifying bacteria that convert ammonia and nitrite into less harmful nitrate.  In fact, nitrate gases are only harmful in extremely high concentrations.  The culturing of bacteria is done on material that contains large amounts of surface area.  Examples of biological filters are wet dry filters, Bio-wheels, sand filters and undergravel filters.
   Mechanical filtration also plays an important role in the terrapin environment.  This method employs media such as filter socks, screens, sponges, and floss to trap waste particles.  However, although the particles may have been removed from our sight, please bear in mind that they are still in the terrapins' environmental system and must still be disposed of effectively and frequently through rinsing.  Examples of mechanical filtration are canister filters, power filters, submersible filters, diatomic filters and box filters.
   Chemical filtration is often employed alongside mechanical filtration.  Simply put, chemical filtration removes odors and colors through chemical reactions.  Examples of chemical media are carbon and zeolite.
   In addition, other filters to take into consideration when setting up diamondback environments are protein skimmers and U.V. sterilizers.  However, most protein skimmers are ineffective in freshwater and are only effective in brackish water with a specific gravity of 1.008 or more.