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Hello,
Can someone please help me out? My RES (Elliott) is a few months old and doing great. Eats well (maybe too well, hehe) basks, swims, and seems to be happy. My problem is not with Elliott but with something else that is living in his tank - algae. It does not seem to bother Elliott but it is taking over! Has anyone used any algae removing solutions? I bought one today but I didn't want to expose Elliott to something that could be dangerous. I just want to check before I drop it in there. Thanks!

PS - I use a Magnum 350 hooked to an undergravel filter with a layer of gravel over the UG filter. I change the filter sleeve often and replace the charcoal about once a month. I add fresh water as needed of course.

Welcome!

I have heard people say that the algea stuff doesn't work, and other say that it does. I personally don't worry about my algea. I give the sides of the tank a good scrub when I do partial water changes, which should be done about once a week. If you stay on top of it, it isn't too bad.

Also, you mentioned a layer of gravel...if it is anywhere near the size of fitting in your turtles mouth, I would remove it. Your turtle is likely to eat it and it can become impacted. It's also easier to keep a clean tank without it! Try some large river rocks instead.

I prefer not to use any additional chemicals than necessary.

Is your tank near a window? Sunlight will cause most of your algae problems. Early on, I was stupid enough to keep my tank (a rubbermaid container) next to a window and I would have algae around all the time. Well, keeping a tank near a window has more dangerous implications than algae... but that's a different topic.

Also, undergravel filters are not the best option for turtles. As Missi said, eating gravel is potentially hazardous. Plus, turtles produce a lot more waste than fish and they like to dig around. Can you switch out the carbon and add ceramic rings (or other bio media)?

I bought a plecostomus and he keeps my tank clean, the only algae I have is the kind that sticks on the turtledock, and I don't think you can even brush that off!

Are you talking about the zoo med docks? I use a toothbrush on mine. It's slow going, but it does a great job of getting the algea off.

i bought a plecostomus too! he hides under the filter so he's pretty safe from my turtle, even though my turtle isnt/hasnt eaten live any live feeder fish. i have 2 small feeder fish in my tank, too. (i heard that some turtles chase after those smaller fish.) anyway, everyone in the house/tank is happy.

before, algae is growing in the cracks of some rocks and i cant brush them off with a brush! but i have my little cleaner fish, so it's okay.

our turtles started eating feeder fish when they were a few months old...if they could catch them....but until the fish are eaten,they help pick up leftover gunk in the tank too...we have larger marble pieces we got from walmart(cheaper and safer than small rocks) and the algae stays off of them (and our hiding places)thanks to the plecos...since these are big plecos,no one messes with them

A good way to keep algae down and the problem with green water was discovered in Germany and used by people like me who own plant tanks.

Go cut a large piece of willow tree and put it in the tank. It will loose most of its leaves but after about 1-2 weeks it will start growing roots and leaves. The willow will use up nitrates better then algae. You'll still have algae but it wont be to bad. I have a piece in my trutle tank and my algae problem has really decreased... Give it a try.

P.S.

The turts don't even seem to care about the willow and haven't even attempted to taste it.