redearslider.com

We have algae growing on everything, including Sammi's shell! We currently have an in-water heater keeping it about 79*F, a heat lamp, and a UV light, and a filter. We don't add any water treatments, but top off the water every 2 - 3 days as it evaporates quickly. We do have soft water if that matters. What changes can we make to help keep algae at bay? Also, is it safe/needed to scrub the algae off of Sammi's shell? (old toothbrush maybe?)

Algae is caused by sunlight. Make sure your tank isn't getting direct sun. Indirect sun can also cause it. You should be doing weekly water changes not just topping off the tank. You will need to get rid of all the algae in the tank to begin with. The easiest way to do this is to kill it with darkness. You can wrap the whole tank in black plastic for several days.

Thanks Kansasslider. Currently the tank is next to a west-facing window, but not in front of it. I don't think it gets lots of sun there, except maybe the end closest to the window, but we can try to find somewhere else to put it. (our house isn't very big though! It would be hard to find a spot that doesn't get any sunlight at all.) So with the water changes, do you do a full tank change, or just like 1/3 or 1/2 like you do with fish? Also, (this is probably a really dumb question) I assume if we wrap the tank that would be without any lights etc so we would find somewhere else to keep Sammi for that time frame?
Do the lamps encourage algae growth as well? We currently have both the heat lamp and the UV lamp on from about 7 am until 9 pm or so. Should we reduce that?
Oh, and is it safe to scrub Sammi's shell? I'll try to get all the rocks and basking area scrubbed as well.

I do a 50% change once a week. If you need to cover the tank you will want no lights on and find s spot for your turtle. The lamps themselves don't cause much growth but in my tank just a little on the basking rock. You can also drain and clean the whole tank to get rid of it. Yes you can clean your turtles shell with a toothbrush just be gentle. Maybe a peroxide/ water mixture. Someone else might know a better way to clean your turtle.

Thanks!

Your welcome.

The algae in my tank used to be horrible. It was the lamps that were causing it to grow. I use Jungle Pond Algae relief and put a small amount in the first bucket load of water with water softener. I have zero algae in my tank. I've used it since my turtle was the size of a silver dollar. He is 11 months old now. I'm not an expert! This is just what I use. I didn't see anything that said not to use with turtles and I use a smaller dose than required.

Thanks!