My turtle has algae on his back, and it is difficult to peel or scrape off. How can I safely remove this from his shell without hurting him. I read not to put a plic(sp?!) (sucker fish) in with him, and he has never shared a tank with other fish. He is easy to handle, I just don't want to scrub or push on him too hard, he is kind of an old fella.
2007-02-20 11:26:15 · 8 answers · asked by Roulette4life 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
A really safe and easy way to remove the algae is to use a medium bristle tooth brush with some baking soda, and give it a nice scrubbing. Alcohol and salt are probably not a good idea as they can dry out and irritate the skin... But baking soda is really PH neutral and non-irritating, plus it's non toxic (but you want to rinse it off good anyways). It's abbrasive enough to remove soft stuff, but not enough to damage the shell (which is why it's in so many toothpastes, because it will scrub soft stuff without damaging harder surfaces).
Best of luck.
2007-02-20 19:17:26 · answer #1 · answered by Theresa A 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try using a natural soap and a soft toothbrush. You can also add a little cornmeal to the soap to make it more abrasive. Just lightly apply the soap (and the cornmeal if you want to use it) and then gently scrub with the toothbrush. You may need to periodically rinse with water so that you can see what is left, and then rinse the shell well when your are done.
2007-02-20 13:08:24 · answer #2 · answered by iluvmyfrenchbulldogs 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A safe and effective technique is a simple salt rub. Sprinkle salt on the shell and rub it with a damp fingertip, a bit of old towel, or an old toothbrush.
Don't try to remove it all in one setting.
2007-02-20 16:48:28 · answer #3 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what i do every week is I hold my turtle over a sink an use a tooth brush (softly) with really cleans his shell I also do it to its stomach
GOOD LUCK
2007-02-20 11:53:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rubbing alcohol and one of those red 3M scrubby pads, then water rinse. The alcohol evaporates so fast, and it won't hurt the little critter a bit.
2007-02-20 11:35:05 · answer #5 · answered by barefoot_always 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
what makes you think the algae will hurt him ? it should not and you need to clean his tank more often to keep him germ free . okay and i hope i helped.
2007-02-20 11:30:49 · answer #6 · answered by Kate T. 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
go to your local pet store and purchase some anti fungus solution they make it especially for reptiles
2007-02-24 01:36:48 · answer #7 · answered by the piper 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its ok !!! leave him alone !!! but i do think that you should keep your water clean you probably wait till it smells to clean it !!! dude clean it !!! i clean mine every 2 days !!! nice clean water !! clean turtles!! i love it !
2007-02-23 07:54:00 · answer #8 · answered by CRISTIE C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋