Habitat - Indoor :: Algea taking over my tank

[April]

Help! I have a 50 gallon tank with a pretty hefty filtration system. Slowly but surely algea has started growing everywhere. Inside the filter tubing, all over the rocks, on the intake tube, everywhere. I cleaned the tank but it seems like it grows back overnight. I use red basking lights and keep them on all the time. Could it be the red lighting or do I just need to use a chemical in the water? My babies are healthy and don't seem to mind but it looks gross. Any suggestions would be VERY much appreciated.Thanks!!

[cam722]

Yes it could be the lighting and the temperatures. Do you keep the tank anywhere near a window? That also can promote algae. I agree with you, it's not harmful to the turtles at all but I don't like the way it looks, others have no problems with it. I know there are products out there that will help keep the growth down but I dont' remember the name of it at the moment. I'm sure someone will come along and let you know.

[missibsu]

I don't know about products that help with the algea, but there are fish that you can risk putting in with your turts. I will say that I tried that and it was unsuccessful. You did mention that you leave your lights on all the time. Your turts should have a light schedule the simulates night and day. 12 hours on at the max. I turn mine on when I get up in the morning and turn them off about 12 hours later. It won't cut out your algea all together, but it may help cut down on it. Also, look at where your UVA light (heat light) is aimed. I find that the algea growth pattern has to do with here there is heat and UVB.

[staman]

I have been fighting algae blooms for the past 3 months. Two weeks ago i was so fed up I emptied my tank cleaned it, the filter, the heater etc from top to bottom sparkling clean. 2 weeks later and the algae bloom is in full force once again-im pissed. What I do not understand is how the algae is surviving. I use RO/DI water and add nothing to it. I check every 3 days for nitrite/ammonia but they are undectable. What exactly this algae is consuming to stay alive beats me. I have a 75 gallon full with the water temp at 79F and the lights on for 12 hours a day. Im not willing to change either of those 2 parameters. Aparently big als' sells a product called algone which might work. Im quite sceptical though as this product just seems to get rid of ammonia/nitrite which i don't have anyway. Do phosphates play any role in algae growth? Im gonna get that test kit today...
.

[April]

I do keep the tank near a window. The babies love to lay out and saok up the sun! I leave the red basking lights on all the time but the regular light is on a timer and turns off for the night. Should I turn all of the lights at night?

[missibsu]

I would turn all the lights out, simply cause that is what I have heard to do from the people on here. Also, if your tank is in a direct light from a window you could be frying your turts. The glass from the aquarium magnifies the suns heat and can actually raise the heat levels in your tank to dangerous levels. Not to mention that in the winter there can be cold drafts.

[sonyj]

I second everything Missibsu said above plus wanted to add that your turtles aren't getting any of the sun's beneficial rays through the window. Glass blocks the UVB rays that they need for healthy shells and bones. That's why you need a UVB over the basking area with nothing between them to block out the rays. Also, I've heard using colored lights are not good for your turtles. I'm not sure if it includes the red or other specific colors, but you shouldn't use it at night anyways. The heat light and UVB light should be on a day/night cycle to represent nature for no more than 12 hours on.

[steve]

The direct sunlight into the tank is very dangerous... a few people on this site has experienced that first hand. Stick to a submersible heater and a light-bulb for warmth.

As for the red light, what kind is it? Some won't cause any problems, but there are some that can be harmful (infrared, black-lights, et.)

[April]

Thanks so much for the advice. It seemed to me that they enjoyed the sunlight but I guess that I was wrong! They don't get any cold drafts because the window is always closed. I'm not sure exactly what kind of red light it is, I use the same kind of light for my tortise. It's not a black light, it's a red heat light.I'll try to post pics of the tank setup. Thanks for all of the help. I love this site. I'm going to move the tank and set the lights to a timer right now. Thanks!!!

[steve]

Direct, unobstructed sunlight is very good for them. I take mine outside for 30-60mins a day during the summer (or when it's about 80-90 degrees outside) and let them catch some UVB and warmth. They require a lot of supervision but are worth it. I make sure they have some shade and cover as well.

[April]

I'm looking into getting a submersable heater. does anybody have any suggestions on what type or brand to get?

[missibsu]

most people recommend the stealth heaters. I have one and I love it! I set the temp on it and I haven't touched it since.

[cam722]

I LOVE the Visi-Therm Stealth heaters, like missibu said, you set the temp and never have to worry about it. I've had mine for 2 yrs and haven't touched it to change the temp since and have had no problems at all.

[missibsu]

It's funny because my first heater had a light on it, so that I knew it was on. I still find myself checking the themometer on the tank to make sure that the temp is right. Since there isn't anything to indicate that it is on, I often wonder if it is doing it's job. But, I love it and even if the darn thing breaks, I'd buy another one.

[DanielRES1180]

I have been fighting algae blooms for the past 3 months. Two weeks ago i was so fed up I emptied my tank cleaned it, the filter, the heater etc from top to bottom sparkling clean. 2 weeks later and the algae bloom is in full force once again-im pissed. What I do not understand is how the algae is surviving. I use RO/DI water and add nothing to it. I check every 3 days for nitrite/ammonia but they are undectable. What exactly this algae is consuming to stay alive beats me. I have a 75 gallon full with the water temp at 79F and the lights on for 12 hours a day. Im not willing to change either of those 2 parameters. Aparently big als' sells a product called algone which might work. Im quite sceptical though as this product just seems to get rid of ammonia/nitrite which i don't have anyway. Do phosphates play any role in algae growth? Im gonna get that test kit today...
.

Do you feed your turtles in the tank? Marisa says leftovers play a key in algae survival.