General Care Discussion :: algae problem

[juanster]

i actually don't know what it is exactly, but i am pretty sure i am having an algae problem, it doe snot matter how often i change the water one or two days later my water is green, an di mean greeeen, like if i look at it i can't see teh other side of the tank, i am worried about Herman (my res of course) i dont think this is too good for him any ideas of how to get rid of this green water?[/i]

[DavidY]

You should probably test your water for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. It's possible that there are nitrates and/or phosphates in your tap water which would contribute to the algae outbreak but would not necessarily harm your turtle as long as they aren't too high. You want to make sure the ammonia and nitrites are zero since those will harm your turtle. The biggest contributor to algae outbreaks is light. If you have your tank near a window or if it is getting any sunlight on it, you will need to either shade the light or move the tank to a less sunny room. Even indirect sunlight through a window is enough to cause excess algae growth. The algae itself shouldn't harm your turtle though. It just doesn't look good.

[juanster]

okay i ll take a look into that thanks.