How to Prevent Algae in a Turtle Tank

Though aquatic turtles make interesting pets, their tanks require intense maintenance due to constant defecation and urination, which is more frequent in a turtle tank as opposed to a fish tank. In addition to keeping your tank heated year round. and providing sunlight and a varied diet for your turtles, the tank must be cleaned regularly to prevent algae growth and overall foul water. Maintain the tank filter to avoid it becoming clogged and slowing down, therefore leaving the water more susceptible to algae and filth.

Things You'll Need

  • Filter
  • Tank vacuum
  • Soft brush
  • Algae eaters (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your turtles in a large tank. Tanks that are too small are much more difficult to clean and also leave aquatic turtles will little room to swim. Your tank should hold 10 gallons of water for every inch of carapace (upper shell) length. For example, if your turtle's carapace is 2 inches long, use a tank that holds 20 gallons of water.

    • 2

      Use a quality filter. While you can use fish filters in turtle tanks, note that turtles are much messier than fish and therefore require more filtration in their tanks. If using a fish filter, purchase one that filters four to five times the amount of water in your turtle's tank. For example, if your tank holds 20 gallons of water, use a filter that's designed for an 80- to 100-gallon fish tank.

    • 3

      Clean the tank often, as algae forms in water that is rich in nutrients from food and other decaying matter. Vacuum frequently and always remove any leftover food from the tank. Change the water frequently as well, all of which will keep algae from building up.

    • 4

      Add one or a few aquatic plants to your tank. Plants will compete with algae growth for carbon dioxide and will also consume pollutants in the water.

    • 5

      Introduce scavenger fish to the tank that eat algae. Try otocinclus catfish and pleco fish, both of which are bottom-dwellers that consume algae.

    • 6

      Inspect your turtles once a week if you are concerned with algae growth on their shells. Brush the shells with a soft brush to remove algae.