{"product_id":"zoo-med-aquatic-turtle-food-adult-maintenance","title":"Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle Food Adult Maintenance","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFloating pellets for turtles that have finished growing.\u003c\/strong\u003e Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle Food Maintenance Formula is the adult stage of Zoo Med's three-formula turtle range, guaranteeing a minimum 25% crude protein and 1.3–1.7% calcium. Zoo Med formulates it for turtles at full adult size, which it defines as a shell length of 15 cm (6 inches) or more.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdults do not need the protein a hatchling needs. This is the lowest-protein formula in the range and it carries the highest guaranteed calcium of the three, which is the trade a mature turtle wants. The complete ingredient declaration and guaranteed analysis are published below rather than left on the packet.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey features\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e25.0% minimum crude protein\u003c\/strong\u003e — the lowest of the three formulas, matched to turtles that have stopped growing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalcium guaranteed at 1.3–1.7%\u003c\/strong\u003e — a stated band with both a minimum and a maximum, not a single headline figure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePellets float\u003c\/strong\u003e — aquatic turtles feed at the surface, and uneaten pellets stay visible so you can net them out\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFull declaration on the page\u003c\/strong\u003e — ingredients and guaranteed analysis in full, never \"printed on pack\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo artificial colours or flavours\u003c\/strong\u003e — the only preservative named in the declaration is propionic acid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStabilised vitamin C\u003c\/strong\u003e — as L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, guaranteed at 90 mg\/kg minimum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThree pack sizes\u003c\/strong\u003e — the formula is identical in all three; only the quantity changes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGuaranteed analysis\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs published by Zoo Med for the Maintenance Formula. Row labels are reproduced as Zoo Med prints them.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eComponent\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGuarantee\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCrude Protein (min)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e25.0%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCrude Fat (min)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.0%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCrude Fibre (max)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.0%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMoisture (max)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11.0%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCalcium (min)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.3%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCalcium (max)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.7%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePhosphorous (min)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.0%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAscorbic Acid (min)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40.8 mg\/lb (90 mg\/kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIngredients\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eWheat Mill Run, Soybean Meal, Wheat Flour, Fish Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Fish Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Kale, Lecithin, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Kelp, L-Lysine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Stabilised Vitamin C), Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Manganese Sulphate, Zinc Sulphate, Ferrous Sulphate, Copper Sulphate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodate, Propionic Acid (preservative).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEthoxyquin, BHA and BHT are not named anywhere in that declaration. Propionic acid is the only preservative listed in it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCalcium and phosphorus — how to read these numbers\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eCalcium to phosphorus ratio (Ca:P, the balance between the two minerals that build shell and bone) is the figure that matters most in a turtle diet. A diet low in calcium relative to phosphorus is the classic route to soft shell and metabolic bone problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eZoo Med does not print a Ca:P ratio for this food. It publishes calcium as a band — 1.3% minimum to 1.7% maximum — and phosphorus as a \u003cem\u003eminimum only\u003c\/em\u003e of 1.0%, with no maximum stated.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCalculated from those guarantees, the ratio sits between \u003cstrong\u003e1.3:1 and 1.7:1\u003c\/strong\u003e. Because phosphorus carries no upper limit, the true ratio in a given batch could be lower than 1.3:1. That calculation is our arithmetic on Zoo Med's published guarantees, not a figure Zoo Med states.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOf the three formulas in this range, Maintenance has the highest guaranteed calcium. If you want to lift dietary calcium further, a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zoo-med-dr-turtle-slow-release-calcium-block\"\u003eslow-release calcium block\u003c\/a\u003e is the usual addition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhich Zoo Med turtle formula do I need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll three formulas are one product line, differing in pellet size and protein level. Match the formula to shell length, not to age.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFormula\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eShell length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCrude protein (min)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHatchling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 5 cm (2 in)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e43.0%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/zoo-med-aquatic-turtle-food-growth-formula\"\u003eGrowth\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5–15 cm (2–6 in)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e35.0%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaintenance (this product)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15 cm (6 in) and over\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e25.0%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003eGrowth and Maintenance also differ on fibre and calcium: Growth guarantees a 5.0% fibre maximum and 0.9–1.3% calcium, against 8.0% fibre and 1.3–1.7% calcium here.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePack sizes\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe formula, ingredient declaration and guaranteed analysis above apply to all three packs. Only the quantity differs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSize\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSKU\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBarcode\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e340 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZM419\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e097612401110\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e680 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAA3165\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e097612401127\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.3 kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAA3166\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e097612401134\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFeeding directions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eZoo Med's published directions: place pellets in water and let turtles feed for a minimum of one hour, then net out and discard anything uneaten. If your turtles finish everything quickly, increase the quantity offered at each feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eZoo Med's own FAQ for this food gives a shorter window — offer only what the turtle can finish in about five minutes, then remove the rest. Both figures are Zoo Med's. The five-minute version is the one that keeps water clearer, and it is where most keepers end up.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eZoo Med does not publish a feeding frequency for this food. Uneaten pellets break down and feed nitrate, so removing them promptly matters more than the exact schedule.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSuitable for, and not suitable for\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e fully grown aquatic turtles at 15 cm shell length or more, including sliders, cooters and similar semi-aquatic species.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot suitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e hatchlings and growing turtles under 15 cm shell length, which need the higher protein of the Hatchling or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zoo-med-aquatic-turtle-food-growth-formula\"\u003eGrowth\u003c\/a\u003e formulas. This is not a land tortoise food. It is also not intended as the whole diet — most keepers run a pellet as the base and add leafy greens and occasional protein items.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/zoo-med-dr-turtle-slow-release-calcium-block\"\u003eDr. Turtle Slow Release Calcium Block\u003c\/a\u003e — adds calcium to the water where you want more than the diet provides\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/zoo-med-turtle-dock\"\u003eTurtle Dock\u003c\/a\u003e — a dry basking platform, which turtles need in order to digest properly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/zoo-med-economy-turtle-clean-filter\"\u003eEconomy Turtle Clean Filter\u003c\/a\u003e — turtles are messy feeders and floating pellets add to the load\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/zoo-med-turtle-matic-auto-feeder\"\u003eTurtle Matic Auto Feeder\u003c\/a\u003e — portions floating pellets while you are away\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/zoo-med-aquatic-turtle-banquet-feeding-block\"\u003eAquatic Turtle Banquet Feeding Block\u003c\/a\u003e — a slow-release block for short absences\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWarranty and delivery\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eZoo Med publishes no warranty term for its turtle foods. Whatever a manufacturer offers, your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply in addition to it — goods must be of acceptable quality and fit for purpose, and those guarantees cannot be excluded.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a dry, shelf-stable pellet food. It ships as standard freight with no cold-chain or dangerous-goods restriction. Zoo Med publishes no storage instructions or shelf life for this product; keep it sealed, cool and dry as you would any dry pellet food.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWhat is the protein level in Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle Food Maintenance Formula?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe guaranteed analysis states a minimum of 25.0% crude protein. That is the lowest of Zoo Med's three aquatic turtle formulas — Growth guarantees 35.0% and Hatchling guarantees 43.0% — because adult turtles that have stopped growing do not need growth-level protein.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWhen should I switch my turtle from Growth to Maintenance formula?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eZoo Med defines the changeover by shell length rather than age. Growth Formula is for turtles with a shell length of 5 to 15 cm (2 to 6 inches). Maintenance Formula is for turtles that have reached full adult size, which Zoo Med gives as 15 cm (6 inches) or more.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eDo Zoo Med aquatic turtle pellets float or sink?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThey float. Zoo Med states that floating pellets make it easier for aquatic turtles, which prefer to eat at the water surface, to locate their food. It also means uneaten pellets stay visible and can be netted out before they break down.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWhat is the calcium to phosphorus ratio of this turtle food?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eZoo Med does not publish a ratio. It guarantees calcium at 1.3% minimum to 1.7% maximum, and phosphorus at 1.0% minimum with no maximum stated. Calculated from those figures the ratio falls between 1.3:1 and 1.7:1, though because phosphorus has no upper limit the actual ratio could be lower.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eDoes Zoo Med turtle food contain ethoxyquin, BHA or BHT?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eNone of the three is named in Zoo Med's published ingredient declaration for this food. The only preservative listed is propionic acid, and Zoo Med states there are no artificial colours or flavours added.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eIs Maintenance Formula a complete diet on its own?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eZoo Med formulates it to meet the dietary requirements of adult aquatic turtles. In practice most keepers use a pellet as the base of the diet and supplement it with leafy greens and occasional protein items such as prawns or insects. Variety also helps with turtles that lose interest in a single food.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ZooMed","offers":[{"title":"340gm","offer_id":55293330981155,"sku":"ZM419","price":22.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"680g","offer_id":55335437205795,"sku":"AA3165","price":55.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1.3kg","offer_id":55335437238563,"sku":"AA3166","price":83.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/zoo-med-aquatic-turtle-food-43875829514531.webp?v=1790237147","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/zoo-med-aquatic-turtle-food-adult-maintenance","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}