How to Clean Algae off Turtle Shell | Guide to Turtle Lover
Today we discuss How to Clean Algae off Turtle Shell. Algae on a turtle’s carapace may cause concern, but it is not harmful as commonly believed. By ensuring the right tank setup and clean water, a turtle can avoid algae on its shell.
If the water becomes dirty and algae starts to grow, it may eventually attach to the turtle’s carapace. In such cases, knowing how to clean algae off turtle shells is useful. Fortunately, this process is not difficult.
In fact, algae can be easily removed from a turtle’s shell through proper bathing. In this guide, we will provide you with the steps to remove algae from the shell and maintain a tank or pond free from algae growth for turtles.
How to Clean Algae off Turtle Shell :
Is It Necessary to Clean Algae from Turtle Shell?
Algae on the turtle shell, in general, aren’t harmful to the pet. It is a common phenomenon for most turtles, and most wild turtles have algae on the carapace. Since wild turtles often live in muddy and dirty areas, algae build-up is common for them.
However, for pet turtles, it suggests that the water has become dirty and needs cleaning and maintenance. You should also never ignore the algae on the turtle shell and treat it. You need to clean and remove it to help the turtle enjoy a healthy and happy life.
In addition, the proximity to clean algae will depend on the type of algae the turtle shell has. Generally speaking, there are two types of algae that you may find on a turtle carapace. The first type is the carpet-like algae, which has a greenish and porous structure.
This type of algae is harmless and can grow nearly in every location, so there’s no need to worry about it. However, if you observe slimy and stingy algae on a turtle shell, there’s every reason to worry. It is a signal that you have failed to maintain water hygiene in the turtle tank or pond. The development of this type of algae may be due to several reasons.
Firstly, if the water temperature is too cold or hot, usually hot water tends to develop more algae. Secondly, if the water filtration system is weak or stops working due to maintenance issues, it can contribute to the growth of slimy and stingy algae.
Lastly, if you don’t change the tank water in timely manner, the water can become dirty due to the biological cycle it undergo.When the algae on the turtle shell for too long, it may lead to shell infection or shell.
Therefore, it is crucial to take care of algae-up on the shell as soon as possible. This will help you avoid shell rot infection, which can be fatal for the turtle. So, make sure to clean and maintain the water in the tank to prevent harmful algae growth and ensure a healthy environment for your pet.
Tips On How Clean Algae Off Turtle Shell
Cleaning algae off turtle shells is important for their health and to keep them in good condition. To remove algae from the turtle’s shell, you will need a spacious bucket or sink, lukewarm water, a soft toothbrush, and sanitizer.
Gently place the turtle in the cleaning bowl with the plug un-drained. Use lukewarm water to bathe the turtle, making sure it is comfortable. Hold the turtle with one hand and use the soft toothbrush to remove the algae.
Be patient as the turtle may try to move away. Continue brushing until all the algae is removed, which should take no more than 2 minutes. Allow the turtle to dry naturally and sanitize the cleaning bowl afterwards.
Check the tank water temperature and ensure the basking spot is around 80-95°F. Make sure the water filtration system is strong enough to handle the turtle’s waste.
Now, please focus on the tank water maintenance as the turtle happily dries off itself. Check the tank water and fix it if there’s an issue.
- Use a thermometer to check the water temperature. For most turtle breeds, the ideal water temperature is 75-85°F.
- Also, check the temperature of the basking spot. It needs to be around 80-95°F mostly. It is crucial because the turtle will spend a good amount of his daytime in the basking spot.
- Also, the water filtration system needs to be strong enough to deal with the tank water. It is pretty important because turtles are insanely dirty and create massive waste. Hence, the filtration system capacity needs to be 2X than the actual water-holding capacity of the turtle tank. For instance, the filtration system capacity must be 80L if you have a 40L tank for the turtle.
When the filter works properly, the tank water flows too. Thus, moving water will stop algae development and keep the environment clean.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cleaning algae off turtle shells is a simple process that takes only a few minutes. However, it is advisable to regularly clean and maintain the tank water to permanently eliminate algae. This will effectively prevent the accumulation of harmful bacteria and viruses in the turtle tank, ensuring a long, happy, and healthy life for your beloved turtle.
