Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone,
I have a young RES, almost 2 inches in lenght. I have him in a smaller enclosure made to fit your recommendations, complete with a Deutto filter, lamp, 2 plecostomus, and plenty of rocks and basking areas which he never uses. The plecostomus eat pretty much all of the algae that grows on the tank and rocks, but there's this stuff that floats in the water and easily goes through the filter without getting caught (it is very small). I have tried and the filter does not need new carbon, sponge etc. Is there anything that will eat this algae that he won't eat or is there a safe chemical? I was also thinking of a light bulb that doesn't support plants. As it is I have to replace every drop of water in there once a week just to keep it partially clear. Thanks for your suggestions,
Taylor

Let the filter get set up. If you do a complete water change that often, the good bacteria never get growing. I just started a new tank and it had that "cloudy look" for almost 2 weeks, now that a good bacteria colony is established it is crystal clear. When you do a water change just go with 25% or so. It's less work and better for the critters.

I'm thinking that your filter is one that hangs on the back and has the waterfall...

Try getting some filter media..the stuff that looks like cotton and comes in a big bag (looks like pillow stuffing) and put it behind your filter cartridges. It will help to filter out smaller particles.