Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Here's a few pics of the hypo type alligator snappers. They are just over a year old now. I just added the gravel to their tank which I hope isn't a mistake. I dont think they were getting enough exercize. Now they can do what they do best, dig.

n/p

They are beautiful! Nice job. How big are they now?

thanks, their shells are around 4"

Nice Pics

Hey Steve how do you keep the algae from building up on the heads, tails, top of legs and the shell?

I have 1 pinkskin snapper but the skin on the top of his tail, front legs and head are algae green. I have tried soft bristled toothbrush but it doesnt work that great and he gets really angry when I try to brush him with it.

Thanks,

VS

hev VS, I dont try cleaning the skin or head. they will shed the old skin off fast. i do take a soft toothbrush to the shell once a month are so. i also dont keep them in direct sunlight.
It seems when they were younger they would keep more algea on them. but lately there hasnt been a problem.

any pics of your pinkskin? thanks

Yes I have pics but I am new to this photobucket thing. Hope this works.

Another pic

Another one

Last one

Do you see the algae "stains" on the top of his head and tail? Was wondering if I can do something to get it off or if I should just wait for him to shed it off?

VS

cool turtle VS, If you do brush it off, be gentle. just a little bit every 2 days. the algea wont hurt anything. but i usually just gently brush the shell and let the skin just shed off. of course the shell will shed also. i've heard hypo snappers have more algea than the regular colored ones(maybe it just shows up more) nice pictures and setup. Steve

yeah, my golden/pink/hypo whatever you want to call it gets a lot of algae. I've found keeping plants in the tank help with the algae build up. I used to scrub him, but it just makes him want to kill me so I don't worry too much anymore. Provide some shade and he'll sit under it and that will help too.

I currently have him in a 46 gallon bowfront ( I wanted something bigger but my wife gave in on the turtle so I ad to compromise and get the tank she liked ). The bowfront hood has glass over light so there is probably not very much UVB getting through and I thought that algae needs the UVB to thrive? I will see if I can post more pics later of the whole enclosure.

VS