General Care Discussion :: Should I be worried that green stuff is growing on my rocks?

[Zova Dot]

I have two about 4 inch turtles living in a glass tank. And the tank is actually right next to a window that offers sunlight everyday. Since I haven't owned a UVB yet, that's how I get UV light for them. On the downside, with sunlight and just light from outside consistently pouring in, the rocks in my tank are starting to grow green stuff (not sure if it's algae or what) And it seems common because my uncle would have the same problem with his fish and so has many other people (common sense basically).

So should I be worried? How can I get rid of them? And please tell me more about them! (: Thanks!

[Caphits]

Well first off, that is algae. It won't harm your turtle. Second, you should get a UVB bulb, and move the tank away from the window to get rid of it. Your turtle isnt getting any of the UVB rays from the sun when it has to pass through glass.

From wikipedia: Ordinary window glass passes about 90% of the light above 350 nm, but blocks over 90% of the light below 300 nm. Ultraviolet B or medium wave UVB 315 nm–280 nm.

So, as we can see above, ordinary glass will block pretty much all of the UVB rays.

[steve]

Yup, Caphits nailed it. Sunlight can also make water temps fluctuate quickly which is something you don't want.

[Zova Dot]

Fluctuate, as in raising it? The temperatures are okay and stable, and as far as getting a UVB lamp, and can't yet. But it's relieving to know that they're no harm, (: