Yellow Slider, Algea growth on shell

[squirt2009]

Robyn,

I have a question about my son's Yellow Slider. He has had Squirt since June and we bought him at Petco. Since we have had Squirt we have maintained his tank frequently. We have also put in a water filter. The problem we are having is that within the last month Squirt has started growing algea on his shell. The water turns dark green and the growth happens very quickly. I know algea can grow very fast but why would it start just within this month? Are we doing something wrong?

Also, what can you suggest that we can add to Squirt's tank? It is very basic. We have a floating dock for him and lighting. How can we tell if Squirt is a male or female? This question comes up frequently with my 9 yr. old. Thank you for any help you can provide.

Do you have an email address that I can send pics of Squirt to?

Monica

[Robyn]

Welcome to the forum!

How often do you change the water? How big is the tank? How big is squirt? I do weekly water changes on my turtle's tank. He has a 40 gallon for feeding which gets a 100% weekly water change. The 120 gallon tank he mostly lives in gets it a 50% weekly water change. Both tanks have filters. Neither tank has much algae. I add aquarium salt to both tanks which helps deter algae, bacteria, parasites, and fungus. Use a tablespoon per 5 gallons of water. Add it only with added, changed out water.

Whenever you have strong lighting as for reptiles, water, and nutrition (leftover turtle food and turtle waste), algae will grow. It sometimes grows on the turtle. It is not harmful to the turtle. Many wild turtles are so covered in algae that it provides camouflage.

My e-mail is help at fishpondinfo dot com, and you can send photos there.

Turtles normally have to be over about 4" long to start sexing them. If he's bigger than that, send photos of his body from the top, bottom, and sides as well as the front fingernails. Males have long front fingernails.