Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have three red eared sliders. I use Turtle Clean to help break down organic waste.. it seems to help my filter out in keeping things under control. The problem is, my tank is huge and I go through these bottles of Turtle Clean super fast. Does anyone know of a cheaper alternative? I've read that there is something people can use for ponds that does the same thing.. it must be cheaper cuz ponds are massive.. are those options turtle safe? I also read about some thing for septic tanks that alligator owners use..

there are several types of bacteria for ponds that break down the waste. I've never tried using them with turtles, but if they dont kill fish i'd imagine they'd be ok? I cant think of any brands off hand, but we put beneficial bacteria in our koi pond regularly. A good pond supply store should be able to suggest something

Pondzyme... I buy it at Petsmart and use it with both my snapper and painted. (I used to use Turtle Clean too, until I also figured there had to be a cheaper alternative!)
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0.1.0 snapping turtle
0.1.0 painted turtle
0.1.0 ornate box turtle
0.1.0 Australian shepard
3.2.0 children
1.0.0 husband

I have a snapper that has few green coloration on the skin, which I think are algaes and brushes can't take them off. Can anyone PLEASE suggest what can I do to take off the remaining algaes my turtle has. I've never used any cleaning chemicals before.

Algae grows pretty much naturally on snappers as they spend most of their time in the water. I don't think it is cause for concern even though it may look unsightly to you.

Does he bask at all?

Algae doesn't hurt anything, but it does look ugly. I found that aquarium salt really helped to keep the algae down. Just ask at the pet store for it. The directions are on the package. It is very cheap!
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0.1.0 snapping turtle
0.1.0 painted turtle
0.1.0 ornate box turtle
0.1.0 Australian shepard
3.2.0 children
1.0.0 husband

Of course I know Algae grows naturally on snappers and it is not something to be concerned about, unless it's the long weed like types. Anyway, thank you Golfdiva.

you're welcome!
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0.1.0 snapping turtle
0.1.0 painted turtle
0.1.0 ornate box turtle
0.1.0 Australian shepard
3.2.0 children
1.0.0 husband