Habitat - Indoor :: Excessive Algae

[butterflygirl921]

I currently have my turtle in a 75 gallon tank with a fluval 306 filter and a heat lamp and the beam light that came with the tank. I clean it every week, but now I have noticed its getting a lot of algae lately. How can I try to combat it? I have thought maybe change the beam light to a regular florescent or maybe even an algae eater fish, but i'm afraid raphael will just make it her lunch lol. What do you think i should try?

[Jeremiah]

Does your "beam light" produce UVB? If not, you really should replace it with one that does.

Algae accumulates in water with excess chemicals like phosphorous and nitrate, which build up in an underfiltered or incompletely cycled tank. This seems to be the case for you, since the Fluval 306 is only rated for 70 gallon tanks. To adequately clean a turtle tank, your filter should be rated for a tank 2-3 times larger than the tank you have. In other words, you need a filter (ideally a canister type) rated for at least a 150 gallon aquarium (assuming you fill your tank most of the way with water). Unfortunately, your tank is quite underfiltered and the algae is the result.

Until you get a stronger filter, algae will always be a problem. (No matter how many times pet store employees tell you their quick-fix chemicals will fix it). Algae-eating fish will only be an extra ammonia source, and won't permanently end the algae!

[Kansasslider]

How much sunlight does the tank get? Is it near a window?

[cutepanda86]

Does your "beam light" produce UVB? If not, you really should replace it with one that does.

Algae accumulates in water with excess chemicals like phosphorous and nitrate, which build up in an underfiltered or incompletely cycled tank. This seems to be the case for you, since the Fluval 306 is only rated for 70 gallon tanks. To adequately clean a turtle tank, your filter should be rated for a tank 2-3 times larger than the tank you have. In other words, you need a filter (ideally a canister type) rated for at least a 150 gallon aquarium (assuming you fill your tank most of the way with water). Unfortunately, your tank is quite underfiltered and the algae is the result.

Until you get a stronger filter, algae will always be a problem. (No matter how many times pet store employees tell you their quick-fix chemicals will fix it). Algae-eating fish will only be an extra ammonia source, and won't permanently end the algae!

He hit it on the head. You need a bigger filter. I'm running a Fluval 406 on my half filled 40 gallon tank and I only have to clean it once a month. Sheldon hardly ever has any algae and when she does it's usually because I missed some lettuce trapped under her basking platform.

Kansasslider also makes a good point. Windows can be really bad for the tank in that algae loves sunlight. Think about adding a little aquarium salt to the tank; my vet recommended 1 teaspoon per 5 gallons of water. It will help keep the algae at bay as long as you aren't in direct sunlight and your light bulb isn't feeding it. A UVA/UVB bulb is key for Raphael's health.

[butterflygirl921]

I only fill the tank about halfway to 3/4 the beam light is a florescent and don't most florescents throw of uv rays? I do have her in the corner of the room near a big window she gets irritated if i dont open the blinds but i try to open them facing the other way so not much light hits her tank (shes in the back of the house where the sun isnt for 90 percent of the day). Could it be the light that i have on the tank?

[Kansasslider]

It could be all of the above. You need a uvb bulb. The light that came with the tank has no uvb output. And if your leaving it on all day it could also contribute to your problem.

[cutepanda86]

Kansasslider is right. Fluorescents don't throw UVB as far as I know, unless the package specifically says so. The direct sunlight feeds the algae which is why I don't ever open the curtains in my bedroom (where Sheldon lives) unless it is the window on the opposite side of the room. I would suggest getting a bulb like this: http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-PowerSun-Mercury-Vapor/dp/B0002AQDJK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423489342&sr=8-1&keywords=powersun with a stand like this: http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Reptile-Lamp-Stand/dp/B000255OUO/ref=pd_bxgy_petsupplies_img_z . I use these and do not have any trouble. You'll need to purchase the dome for the lamp stand but you can get one of the ones they recommend on the package.

Even if you fix the lighting issue - you still need a bigger filter.

[butterflygirl921]

Does that uv light also throw out heat? and i know i shouldnt open the window she just throws a hissy fit if i dont (in her own way) I'm not looking to get a bigger filter i just bought the 306 I don't mind doing a tank cleaning each week i just don't want the algae growing so much. I had a suspicion it was the light i do leave it on all day.

[steve]

Yes, the power sun gives heat. In fact, MVBs give off a lot of heat, so you need to be extra careful when using them. Can you post a pic of the area getting algae? Is the water turning green?

[cutepanda86]

The heat is good but Steve is right. You need to watch how it affects your tank. Pictures would be great.

How warm is the basking area for Raphael? It should be in the high 80's to mid to low 90's (Fahrenheit).

[butterflygirl921]

I have it at 85 she loves it this is the picture of the set up ( i dont have any of the algae yet i just cleaned it) The water isnt turning green its staying clear thats why i dont think its the filter the beam light is in the back of the tank and the algae grows in the back corners and on the floor and its more of a brownish color.

[Kansasslider]

I wouldn't reccomend a power sun bulb. They have a horrible track record. I would spend the extra money and buy a Megaray bulb. I myself use cfl bulbs. I also realize they are also not at the top of the list but they are affordable. A tube uvb is another option.

[butterflygirl921]

That would be a good idea replace the bulb in the beam to a uvb

[cutepanda86]

I've never had problems with my power sun - but to each their own.

You need to research and see what bulb is affordable for you and which will do what you need it to - UVA/UVB, heat, and the like. As long as you have the proper fixture that is rated for the wattage of whatever bulb you choose.

[butterflygirl921]

Yea I already have a heat light I just need the uv