Feeding and Nutrition :: Nutrition in algea eating turtle

[Hammerstix]

Are there any nutritional benefits in algea?

I can't find any info on it & I have seen my turtle on several occassions biting & eating the algea that grows on his basking log.

I spray it down good once a month...it starts looking mungy.

But if there is nutritional value in it I might just let it go for a while longer.

He really seems to enjoy it & makes track marks from where he scrapes it out w/his "beak".

[steve]

I don't have any specifics, but is should be fine for your turtle to occasionally have some.

[Hammerstix]

Thanks Steve

[slider_keeper]

I have seen algae in ponds, rivers and lakes that turtles inhabit. I would say algae might be a part of their natural diet. It would make sense since algae is a form of aquatic plant.

[slider_keeper]

Algae grows in rivers, ponds, lakes and even the oceans all over this planet. Seaweed is considered a algae of the oceans, sea turtles eat algea. In the fresh water world some fish, snails and catfish eat algae. I have seen aquatic turtles in waters with a large presence of algae. I do not know nor have I witnessed a turtle in their natural environment eating algae, but I would expect if it has nutritional value for other aquatic animals then it should be safe for our turtles too. Your turtle is probably eating it due to the nutritions that algae offers. I'm not gonna say it is or isn't good for your turtle but if he eats it and is active and acts normal then let him eat it. The fish in my tank eat the algae faster than it can grow so I have not witnessed my turtle eating it. Being that algae is in their natural environment. I say, if your turtle is eating it in his/her tank, then way wouldn't he do it in nature. Especially due to the abundance of algae in the wild. I have read in multiple places that blue-green algae is toxic and not favored by aquatic animals. If eaten in large quanities, animals could be killed. So be sure that you don't have that type growing in your tank.

[slider_keeper]

Read this article. It has some good info in it and should answer your questions.

http://www.uri.edu/ce/wq/ww/Publications/Algae.pdf

[Hammerstix]

Thanks slider-keeper for the link. Very good info to know.

My turtles basking platform is natural driftwood. There is a shallow low area of the driftwood directly under his basking light that is submerged in the water where uneaten food may collect, since it doesn't fall any further down. This is where the algea grows & have only on occassion seen him scrapping the algea up.

I have experienced an "algea bloom" in my tank & realize it can be toxic, as your link confirmed. I did correct that problem & am only dealing w/surface algea.

[slider_keeper]

Yeah I have a natural driftwood basking log as well. Algae grows on my driftwood too, but I want it there, makes the driftwood look more natural.

[Hammerstix]

I too love the natural look of algea growing on wood, as long as it's safe for my turtle to eat...which it is!

Slider_keeper, is your driftwood waterlogged? If so, how long did it take?

[Hammerstix]

Ok, after I sent that I realized it's not since it's a basking log. Do u have any other driftwood waterlogged besides that basking platform? If so, how long did it take to waterlog?

[slider_keeper]

Nope just the basking log and it takes about 24 hrs to be water logged

[Hammerstix]

Water logged like totally submersible in the water. Like laying on the bottom in the gravel.

I have 2 pieces tied down w/guage wire around flat rock. Just curious as to how long it takes wood to sink on its own.

[steve]

I left bark in the water for a few days... I guess it depends on where the wood is from and how it was stored.

[PridgNYC]

Malaysian driftwood doesn't have to be waterlogged, it is already heavy enough to sink. Cork bark is impossible to get waterlogged enough to sink.