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Hi, I hope someone can give me their expertise...Couple questions & don't have time to keep searching all the topics, I'd really appreciate your inputs...I have read something on the slimey coating on top of the water, now does that mean I am using too much water conditioner? I use what the bottle recommends. (It is Reptisafe) 75 gallon tank almost full, about 2 inches from top, if this helps....also I haven't had any problems with algae except the last time I changed the water...The zoo med floating dock is growing algae on the ramp part, and the rocks on the bottom of the tank is growing some on them too. Never had that problem before, anyone know what might be causing it? (No the tank isn't in sunlight either). Also for anyone that uses the uv active heat bulbs, which watt do you use? Thanks in advance........

oops, I'm sorry but I meant to ask if flood or spot bulb is best? (referring to the active uv heat bulb)

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).

Thanks so much Marisa, I am going to just throw the rocks away and get new ones...also I have a filstar xp3 filter...I am wanting to use the other clamp lamp for my other tank, that's why I want to get a uva-uvb bulb..the flood one..I am trying to get my neices turtle up to par, she was in that death trap that came with the turtles' and can you believe, my 2 turts are way bigger than hers...it hasn't grown at all from what I see and they are all the same age too....by the way where did you get the T-rex bulb? I've seen a similar one from Drs Foster Smith online and it is 49.99....Again thanks alot!!!

TurtleMom, if you're planning to buy on-line, go to www.4littlepets.com Both the 100-watt and the 160-watt floods were $35.95 (plus shipping) the last time I looked (that's where I bought mine). The Mfgr. recommends that the bulbs be hung vertically, just so you're aware.

TurtleMom, when was the last time you did a complete water change?

However mine occured in a 20 gallon tank when my RES was about 1 inch long. I scooped the stiff out with a paper towel the best I could. No one had a good solution ( I also asked about skimmers). Good news, at least for me, was that the problem only occurred during the first couple of months after the tank was set up. It went away on its own with no help from me. I assumed at that point it was something related to the water chemistry coming to some equilibrium.

At the same time I had an issue with a brown, very soft, algae growth on rocks and ramp. This also went away and was replaced by the more normal green algae, again without any changes I made.

I have that brown algae now in my new 55 gallon setup. I am hoping it goes away on its own....not real attractive.