General Care Discussion :: algae on basking dock

[Mandyb]

Essentially the name spells out my issue. I have one of those zoo med turtle basking docks which works fine as it is. But ive noticed the part that actually sits in the water is just overloaded with algae. Like ive tried scrubbing it off with a brush and nothing. Nothing else except for that one peice of the dock has algae growing on it....Anything i can do about it.?!?!?!?

[kikicool]

I let mine sit in a bleach solution. Then I use a toothbrush to clean it off. Then I rinse it ridiculously thoroughly. Usually works okay.

[chrisinva]

I had the same problem exactly

Are you using a screen top on your tank??

I used to have to scrub the dock very very hard once a week and now that I have the egg crate it looks like this all the time

[Mandyb]

yes i use a screen top and thats the excat basking dock i have!

[ScrewZoo]

I got the same issue.. I dont mind though.. looks kinda natural.

[chrisinva]

yes i use a screen top and thats the excat basking dock i have!

You should get egg crate anyway...The other screen tops block most of the UVB light...and if you get some the algae will go away

[Chrisbarnett]

Yeah I quit wasting time trying to scrub it off. It makes everything look more real, kinda goes with the natural look I am trying to achieve with sand. I never liked my dock when it was perfectly clean, made it feel to "sterile" for the rest of the tank to be natural.

[Mandyb]

The screen top has holes in it btw for the lights so there's nothing blocking anything

[untsmurf]

Right, but screen tops filter out UVB rays. The holes in egg crate are much more natural and allow all the rays to go through.

As for the algae, as far as I know it's impossible to make it stop. Years ago, I would take my tank apart and scrub everything down, but it's just not worth it. It always grows back. Now that I have a larger tank, the things inside the tank don't grow algae as much. My basking ramp still grows a little algae, but it seems to reach a certain point and not grow any farther.

[Azfar]

I also had the same problem where my turtles basking area partly full with algae.. I don't scrub it.. my dad said just let it dry on direct sunlight.. it will dry/kill the algae away.. It works.. but not everyday I have to clean it up and let it dry so the algae come back and finally I just let it be..

And I agree with you ScrewHead.. its will make natural looks under the water.. hehe..

[Mandyb]

Right, but screen tops filter out UVB rays. The holes in egg crate are much more natural and allow all the rays to go through.

As for the algae, as far as I know it's impossible to make it stop. Years ago, I would take my tank apart and scrub everything down, but it's just not worth it. It always grows back. Now that I have a larger tank, the things inside the tank don't grow algae as much. My basking ramp still grows a little algae, but it seems to reach a certain point and not grow any farther.

Again i repeat myself theres nothing blocking the lamps cause there are actual cut out holes in the screen where the lights sit...

[TurtleLover_S&B]

I use the same dock,and I have the same problem.The algae is green.So,what should I use to clean it?

[TurtleLover_S&B]

Oh,and I don't use a UVB Bulb right now either.I have one,but I don't have a lamp for it.