by Rachel Overmeyer, GSTC Rehabilitation Program Manager
When guests walk into the hospital pavilion at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC), not only will they find sea turtles, but also a massive amount of…water. Water may seem like a strange thing to notice, but water, and more importantly the quality of that water, is essential to the care of the patients. Proper nutrition and medical care go hand in hand with water quality to give patients the best care that they need.
The GSTC places a strong emphasis on water quality to ensure the health and recovery of its sea turtle patients. The water in the tanks is meticulously monitored and maintained, with key parameters like pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, ozone, and chlorine levels being crucial for the well-being of the turtles. These parameters are part of the marine nitrogen cycle, and their buildup can be harmful to the animals.
To manage water quality, the GSTC uses a sophisticated system of pumps and filtration loops. Each tank system has four pumps that continuously move water through three different filtration loops, ensuring it is clean and safe before returning to the tank. These pumps are essential for maintaining the water’s cleanliness but are subject to wear and tear, similar to car engines.
Additionally, the GSTC uses a heat exchanger to regulate the water temperature, which is vital for sea turtles as they are ectotherms, or cold-blooded animals, and cannot regulate their own body temperature. This system helps in gradually warming up cold-stunned turtles or maintaining the optimal temperature for other patients.
The recent purchase of new centrifugal pumps, seal kits, and a heat exchanger, funded by the Jekyll Island Foundation, highlights the vital importance of donor contributions.
If you’re interested in supporting the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, click HERE, or learning more about the Jekyll Island Foundation, visit jekyllislandfoundation.org.