Tips on Algae Removal in Turtle Tanks

Algae forms everywhere in turtle tanks, from the walls to the rocks to the turtle̵7;s shell. Although algae overgrowth is not normally harmful to turtles, it̵7;s not very pleasant to see or smell. It also makes the water murky; if enough algae growth occurs, your turtle will basically be invisible. It̵7;s not possible to eliminate algae completely, but a good filtration system and regular cleaning can keep the algae growth in your turtle̵7;s tank at a manageable level.

  1. Water Pretreatment

    • You can reduce the amount of time your turtle must spend outside its tank by preparing the replacement water before you begin cleaning the tank. A clean plastic storage tub is ideal for this purpose. Simply fill the tub with the necessary amount of clean water, and treat and preheat it as appropriate for your species of turtle. (Don̵7;t add algaecide to the water, however, as this may harm your turtle.) Once you remove the algae from your tank, you can pour or siphon the replacement water directly into the clean tank. Confirm that the water temperature and pH are correct before putting your turtle back in the tank.

    Removing Your Turtle

    • Before you remove algae from the tank, catch your turtle and put it in a safe container, such as a plastic laundry tub or a sturdy cardboard box. The container should be sturdy and large enough that your turtle can̵7;t climb out or tip it over. Place the container in a quiet, temperate location away from direct sunlight, other pets and small children. Always wash your hands after handling your turtle.

    Safety and Hygiene

    • Effective tank cleaning requires a mild bleach solution comprised of 1 part bleach to 20 parts water. Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles when working with this solution. Wearing gloves and goggles also reduces the likelihood of getting ill from Salmonella bacteria in the tank, because you are less likely to touch your mouth or eyes while working. To prevent illness, you should also avoid washing turtle equipment in your kitchen sink, and use the bleach solution to disinfect all your tools once you̵7;re done removing the algae.

    Cleaning Tips

    • After you drain your tank, discard the gravel or sand substrate in your trash can or compost pile. If your tank contains larger rocks or aquarium ornaments, spray them with the bleach solution and scrub away the algae with an old toothbrush. Rinse them with plenty of running water and set them aside until you're done cleaning the tank. Scrape algae from the sides of the empty tank with a clean putty knife or aquarium scraper, then scrub the tank thoroughly with the bleach solution. Rinse the tank with clean water at least twice to remove any bleach residue. This is also a good time to clean or replace the water filter, if necessary. If you need to clean algae from your turtle̵7;s shell, hold the shell under a light stream of tepid water and scrub the algae gently with a clean, soft toothbrush. Keep the turtle̵7;s head upright and out of the water during this procedure.