Fungus Gnats in Turtle Tank: Eradication Without Harming Turtles

Infestation of gnats in turtle tank. Asks how to eliminate without harming turtles.

Identify Stage

Adults above water or larvae in water? Author had larvae; weekly 100% water change helps.

Treatments

• Fly sticky traps for adults.
• Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) liquid in water kills mosquito/midge larvae—safe for turtles. Example product.
• Feeder fish may eat larvae.

If Bt fails in a week, it's not susceptible species. Cleanliness is key.