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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 10/22/2009 3:10:23 PM
Posts: 5,
Visits: 18
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| We have a small 10 gallon tank and we have a small problem with small patches of algae growing on the turtle dock and on the bottom. We have a submersable filter in the tank, the filter is for a 10gallon tank and we clean the tank once a week. Do you think a bigger filter would help, or maybe some algae removal? We have a basking light and a UV light also a heat lamp that we leave on at night to keep the temp up at night. Any advice appreciated
Just a couple of southern gals with good intentions. Bella-baby red eared slider-she ran away Bubba-Bella's cousin, a real miracle boy
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Starting Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/5/2009 12:47:03 PM
Posts: 158,
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| First things first, test your phophate levels. Algae growth is accelerated by high levels of phosphates, which the algae uses as food. More than likely, your turtle's waste contains phosphates. You can find phosphate test kits in the fish departments in most pet store chains, especially if they have a nice fish department. Even adding something like BioClear or AlgaeFix should reduce the presence of unwanted algae. As far as the filtration system goes, I always recommended a filter that was one step higher that the tank required (i.e. 20 gallon tank filter for a 10 gallon tank). This can only do more work for you, and there will be less frequent water changes. Just make sure to keep the filter components clean. And, depending on the filtration system you have, some filter inserts have phosphate controling chemicals laced in the filter. You are never going to get rid of your algae completely, though. But take algae as a compliment, it means you have excellent water quality.
My herps:
2.3.0. Leopard geckos
(High Yellow X Albino), named Kirby
(Tangerine Tornado), named Esmerelda
(Rainwater Patternless Albino), named Kiwi
(Regular Jungle), named Pongo rescued
(?), named Maria rescued
1.0.0. Red Eye Tree Frog
(Heterozygous Xantic), named Rufus
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Senior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 8:31:56 PM
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Just a note: I agree with the above concerning getting a 20 gallon filter for a 10 gallon tank and do think it would reduce the algae, but a red-eared slider (I am assuming thats what you have) require a 75-120 gallon tank. When they are small, a 30 is recommended. So I recommend getting that AND the 40-55 gallon filter now, instead of getting that later AND getting a 20 gallon filter for your 10 gallon tank now.
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0.0.1 Northern Blue Tongue Skink
0.1.0 Ocellated Skink
1.0.0 Bearded Dragon
0.0.1 Crested Gecko
1.1.0 Leopard Gecko
0.2.0 Wood Frog
0.0.1 Red-eared Slider
" Human kind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect." - Chief Seattle, 1855
"The Past is history, the Future is a mystery, but today is a gift. And that is why its called the Present."
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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/5/2009 5:23:37 AM
Posts: 40,
Visits: 54
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You know we were having the same problem with the fish tank at work. One suggestion would be to maybe reduce the number of hours you have your lights on. It stimulates algae growth. I agree with the others that a larger filter might work nice, and if you intend on keeping your turtle for a while, I would also suggest a bigger tank as they will grow faster than you could imagine As far as your filters, I learned that the actual filter should be replaced at least once per month. I also learned that you should be doing water changes (at least 25%) every other week. I think with just a little extra tenderloving care, your problem should go away
My Pets:
2 Sulcata African Spur Thigh Tortoises, Scooter and Orbit
1 Ferret - RIP on May 5, 2009
1 Large Iguana (about 4 ft. long)
1 Rose-Haired Tarantula
2 Red-Eared Sliders1 Painter Turtle
3 Dogs - 1 Chihuahua mix, 1 Lab and Collie mix, and 1 Blue Heeler/Austrailian Shepherd mix
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