Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 8:26 pm
Sometimes a film will develop from uneaten food in the tank, and will be particularly noticeable if the surface of the water isn't being agitated enough. I've used Reptisafe in the past and had no problems with it. If you're following the directions on the bottle, I don't think that's what's causing the film. What kind of filter are you using?
Algae will form from a combination of light, heat and nutrients in the water. The ramp is most likely getting it because it's near the basking area and is exposed to the light and heat from the basking area. Certain rocks in my RES's tank develop algae as well, and I generally leave them alone unless they get too covered with it. Once something gets algae on it, it has to be cleaned really well or algae will form again very quickly. Try cleaning with white vinegar and water; it may slow down its reappearance.
I've used T-Rex's Active UVHeat MVB light and have liked it (I used to use the 100-watt flood in a 50-gallon tank). I prefer the floods because the light (and heat) is diffused over a wider area. Other people like the spots, though. Whichever one you get, follow the mfgr's instructions for the optimal distance the light should be from your basking turtle (they are different, I believe).
"You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed." -Antoine de Saint Exupery-
