General Care Discussion :: Algae problem?

[christu]

I've recently set up a 30 gallon tank outside with a filter. I move Zoe, my RES, outside for the day. It's under the carport. Then I move her in for the night. I have recently noticed a green tint on the rim of the floating doc and well as in some of its crevices. The same green looking stuff is in peelings on her shell. Could this be algae? its found nowhere else, not even on our around the real log i have placed in the tank. Even the water is not over the specified temperature, though I do not heat it. I plan to buy something for the algae, but I just wanted to make sure this was algae first. I've read up on other topics that I have seen. I will continue to look for any pictures.

[octpusgirl8]

It sounds like algae. It's not harmful unless you have algal blooms in the water, which is an entirely different thing. You don't really need to use chemicals to control it, a little gentle scrubbing with an old toothbrush will keep it under control. Just out of curiosity, why are you moving her to a different tank during the day?

[christu]

Well, it started off as her feeding tank, to keep the one in my room from becoming cluttered with food and waste. Not to mention to keep it from smelling horrible. So, I set up a feeding tank outside that slowly became her home during the day, since she enjoyed the large tank so much. At some point, I'll go bigger with a much, much large tank, or perhaps a rubbermaid container.

Thanks for the help.

[imderanged]

I believe a little bit of algae is a sign of a healthy tank. If it is just clinging to a few surfaces and not affecting water quality, then I wouldn't stress. in fact, it will help oxygenate the water and break down wastes.

[mikee]

If algea is a sign of a healthy tank mine must have something in it that algea like. You have to have water, oxygen, light, poop and you have what it takes to have algea. It is a constant battle and wage it all the time. Some may like it, I don't. The only thing I want green in my tank is my turtles. Now I have that off my chest!!!

[marisa]

Yes, it does sound like algae. If it doesn't color the water and doesn't get out of control on the objects in the tank, I'd leave it. Try partial water changes to dilute the nutrients in the water and keep the water temp down, which should help keep it from going wild.