General Care Discussion :: algae

[flarkin]

I'm new to this site but need your input:
My 3 year old RES has developed green algae on his shell that I can not seem to remove. I tried cotton balls/q-tips but very little comes off. I can not see his usual coloring. Does anyone have this problem or have any suggestions?
Thanks!

[ninja_turtle]

i use a kid's size toothbrush w/ the soft bristles and gently brush the algae off, under the faucet at cool to lukewarm temperature. my ninja wiggles and tries to run but as a bonus, i turn him over and let the water run on his tummy. he loves it! it's like us, humans, taking a shower and having the water massage your back.

[missibsu]

I would recommend the toothbrush as well. However, I would add that some turtles don't like this because their shell is sensitive. So, make sure that you have a good hold on your turt, and make sure your fingers are where you can't get bit!

[steve]

I would use a toothbrush as well, though I would use water from the tank or tap water (approximately the same temp as in the water tank) and scrub it off in a separate container. I would NOT turn the turtle upside down and definitely NOT under running water or even in standing water.

[reptilegrrl]

I also use a soft totthbrush, under tap water. Also, it is best to avoid turning a turtle upside down. Doing so can cause their intestines to become twisted and blocked. It can also make their breathing difficult. What you think is your turtle enjoying being upside down is probably a fear response.

[ninja_turtle]

sorry that i didnt clarify...when i have ninja under gentle running water, i hold him vertically, like he's standing and not literally upside-down and let the water run down on his tummy (from head-side of shell to tail-side).

anyway, thanks for the tips. i didnt know that it could affect his intestines but b/c he didnt move, i took as he was enjoying it, like the times when i gave him a tummy rub.

how do you give your turtle a tummy rub?

[reptilegrrl]

When you are holding a RES and it doesn't move, it could mean a lot of things. It doesn't necessarily mean enjoyment. It's actually not very likely that your turtle is enjoying that.