General Care Discussion :: Algae on shell? Use toothbrush to scrape it off?

[Meta]

Can ido this? Shes got some algae under neath some scutes that are nearly shedded and algae around her shell, in between scutes

[marisa]

If you use a soft brush and work very gently. You could also use a soft cloth and/or q-tips.

[Bascomb]

Met -- I use warm water and table salt. Use a soft tooth brush and let the turtle dry off with the salt on him, then rinse him off. Be careful not to pry the scutes off and let them drop off naturally. When using the tooth brush, do it quick as they don't like it one bit. Good Luck! b.

[ESG4Life]

i just used a toothbrush that hadnt been used yet and my RESs loved it.

[Bascomb]

ES-life -- That will be the first one that likes his carapace brushed. Most don't like it as it is "loud" to a turtle and it is something they are not accustomed to. Good Luck!! b.

[ESG4Life]

Well, my turtle is outdoors so he gets warmer water and a lot of algae grows on his shell, and I guess weighs him down or something, it must feel good to him to have that extra weight brushed off.