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So recently after a move to a bigger tank, I made a more sufficient basking area for my turtle (Kenny) with a bunch of rocks (store bought, washed thoroughly). All was fine for a good while, then I took them out to give them a brush after a while as they got a bit of algae growth on them, and now, after what seems like a shorter while than last time, there's even more algae growth. Furthermore, dirty water seems to hide in the cracks and crevices made by these rocks.

Now I'm thinking, if I washed the rocks once more, put in more clean water, but this time, poured sand over the rocks to fill the gaps, that it might keep things a bit more orderly, but I could be wrong. My question is this, can rock algae be prevented or severely lessened?

Furthermore, I read on here that filter's must be suited for 2x the size of your tank. So if you're tank is 100l, get a 200l tank. My tank can hold 160l, but my filter caters for 150l, however, I only ever really have my tank half full of water. Could this be the problem?

Can it be prevented? Not really, unless you want to use chemicals (bad) or a UV sterilizer (overkill). Once there is algae, it usually comes back quicker. I usually give it a quick wipe or brush when it's out of the tank. The turtle waste is also contributing more to the problem as well, perhaps more frequent water changes/filter cleanings would help.

steve wrote:Can it be prevented? Not really, unless you want to use chemicals (bad) or a UV sterilizer (overkill). Once there is algae, it usually comes back quicker. I usually give it a quick wipe or brush when it's out of the tank. The turtle waste is also contributing more to the problem as well, perhaps more frequent water changes/filter cleanings would help.

Right then, I'll just scrub as it comes. Cheers Steve.

I don't see a problem with it. I have a large basking rock and it has algae. I don't try to get rid of it because its natural. Is it just because you don't like it that you want to get rid of it?

Kansasslider wrote:I don't see a problem with it. I have a large basking rock and it has algae. I don't try to get rid of it because its natural. Is it just because you don't like it that you want to get rid of it?

Right, I presumed it's par for the course, kinda like a dog shedding fur. Comes with the territory.