How do I keep algae from growing on the back of aquatic turtles?

Question

My two turtles seem to grow algae on their back and I can't seem to stop it. It doesn't seem to bother them but I can't imagine it is good for them.

Answer 1

I scrub my turtle with the foam aquarium wall scrubber, and change the water a bit more frequently when that happens. You can also turn off the light in the turtle tank more hours out of the day. The algae growth will go down if you do.

Answer 2

If you are having algae problems, I might suggest that you add some Algae Eater fish to your tank. They are the most natural way of controlling it, and they can feed on it while your turtles are at rest. If not successful, and depending on the sizes of the turtles, you could consider brushing their shells with a very-soft bristle toothbrush. Brush gently from the highest point on the shell radially outward towards the edges, being careful not to brush too hard on the edges, where the shell is the most delicate. Good luck.

Answer 3

When it gets real bad I take a scrub brush with a long handle and scrub the algae off the shell only. Rinse them off with the hose. Watch out as they will try to bite.

Answer 4

all you do is scrub it with a nail brush, or kitchen scrubbing brush, wont hurt them best to take it off. If they are in a tank u may need to clean it more often, but if they are in the pond regular brushing will keep it at bay.

Answer 5

theres these things you can get at most petstores that u just drop in the water amd they decrease the amont of algae

Answer 6

Lightly scrub them w/a toothbrush.

Answer 7

Get some scavengers.(Snails and fish)or use a toothbrush and give them a good scrub!!