[ramonesfreak]

by water testing, i was specifically referring to the quality of the water in the aquarium once the fish have crapped and P'd in it and left over food rots in it....nitrates/nitrites/ammonia

Its like CIS, if you dont measure the parameters....who knows whats going on

Turtles (along with worms and minnow body parts) are filthy as far as water quality in an enclosed aquarium is concerned It would not surprise me if your water quality is beyond off the charts toxic

but, I dont really know this type of catfish so, cant really say more. good luck....other than from what I read, they require a very large tank because they grow several feet long

As for changing water monthly, I am against that. My water on all 7 tanks gets changed 50% every Friday, without fail. Never monthly.

Imagine you are in a burning building filled with smoke without a mask. Thats what it feels like to be a fish in toxic water.....