Reptile & Amphibian Forums

**NOTE** No purchases have been made, this is an informational inquiry ONLY!

Has anyone any knowledge of whether or not any fishtank type aglaecide is safe to use in turtle tanks, in tank as directed or as a dip for plants/ tank furniture?
I have a "turtle dock" for my Southern Painted's basking site, which is apparently recieving adequate UV lighting, as it turns pretty deep green and or brown every week, regaurdless of how well I scrub it during weekly cleaning. the basking light is on for 8-9 hours a day, and there is no alternate light currently in use. (just so I dont get yelled at, on warm sunny weekends, he has a "pond" he spends his afternoon in whilst his redheaded mom hides in the shade watching)

Any and all information will be helpful and the best care will be taken for my beloved pet, even if it means a third dock is my only option.

Cheryl in NJ

Yeah I have the same problem with the dock. I don't know if that algieside stuff is ok. I used it on a fish tank once it turned everything blue including the fish. And the fish died. I just leave it green, they don't seem to mind.

I've used algaecide in my tank before. Just a capfull to help clear out the algae on the rocks in the bottom of the tank... it didn't seem to help anyways... but my turtle is still alive, and he isn't blue.

I use a FOOD grade hydrogen peroxide, NOT the regular peroxide you have in the bathroom, this stuff is actually a wash for fruits and veggies and is very safe. I use it to clean my tanks and the turtles algae covered rocks, sometimes you need to scrub with a little brush or toothbrush. I also use it on my turtles shell. He has a tendency to get algae growth on his shell. I use a little food grade hydrogen peroxide on a q-tip and it cleans him up. I get a big bottle(32oz) for about $7.00, check the health section at a grocery store or else any health food store. If you want to e-me I can give you the web site of the stuff I use, I don't think I'm allowed to post it here. And the food grade hydrogen peroxide can be used for cuts or any injuries on the turtle, fungus and what ever ails it.

You might also want to get another basking site and alternate between the two, let one dry out in the sun for several days and switch them back and forth...I do that with our rocks...you can also clean with baking soda and very hot water. Hope these tips help-it's kept Squirt and Gus happy!