[305e92]

I know this IT WILL RAPE YOUR SHOES

[BillLee]

got it a 10gal tank with all the lights, filters, and etc. a few months ago. i think it looks happy.



the rocks get grimy and green very fast, is there anything to stop it or slow it down?

[NYC6]

Get another one and name them Cuff and Link.

[TMNT]

Originally Posted by BillLee

got it a 10gal tank with all the lights, filters, and etc. a few months ago. i think it looks happy.

the rocks get grimy and green very fast, is there anything to stop it or slow it down?

The green stuff your seeing is algae. When you see algae it usually means your tank is getting access to sunlight. Is your tank next to a window or close enough to a window that its getting sunlight?

If so, move it because that is more than likely your problem. Oh and don't try to move it with water and rocks in it...take that stuff out first.

[MCMLXXXIX]

if direct sunlight is crucial in taking care of the turtle, is there any type of algae control stuff you can toss into the filter?

i dunno, im thinking of it like a pool lol

[choicez]

how about getting some snails? unless the turtle will eat them.

[TMNT]

Direct sunlight is not necessary. As long as you have a UV light bulb and heat lamp your set.

[BillLee]

Originally Posted by TMNT

The green stuff your seeing is algae. When you see algae it usually means your tank is getting access to sunlight. Is your tank next to a window or close enough to a window that its getting sunlight?

If so, move it because that is more than likely your problem. Oh and don't try to move it with water and rocks in it...take that stuff out first.

nope, not even close to a window. maybe its the heat lamp? its about 9 inches away from the basking spot

[SantaPimp27]

I had 3 turtles that looked exactly like that for like 5 years when i was real young lol

[samwoo2go]

Originally Posted by BillLee

nope, not even close to a window. maybe its the heat lamp? its about 9 inches away from the basking spot

Listen guy, I am an aquatic expert, do what I say.
You are getting algae because your tank, and filter is new. Your tank is cycling and is not stabilized yet, because (to make things simple) there's too much shit and piss and not enough cleaners. Give it 2 months or so and it should die off on its own as the tank achieves equilibrium between beneficial bacteria and nitrate levels. just suck some of the big loose chucks up when you change water, it does no harm.
Now as far as the turtle go, I don't know if there's actually 2 species or variations of the red ear or they grow according to their environment but I had some when I was a kid which I kept in a small fish bowl and they literally went years and not grew an inch so iono about the size.
In any case, you don't need no heaters man, these guys are pretty tough. Plus, lower temp means lower metabolism, which means slower growth. They shit a lot so change 25% water every week if you can

[SpacE82]

samwoo your an aquatic expert? according to the "what do you do" thread, you give fat old rich women rim jobs....just sayin, somethings fishy (no pun in intended).....

That turtle looks pretty sweet. I've always had snakes, but never a turtle cuz they seemed like a lot of work, but that little guy looks pretty cool. Can't give you any turtle advice though.

[TMNT]

Originally Posted by samwoo2go

In any case, you don't need no heaters man, these guys are pretty tough.

NO!

I guess you can put 87 octane in your tank and get away with it right? But would you do it?

OP, heaters are cheap, these are cold blooded animals living in a tank....make sure the water is warn enough for them. Plenty of info online about your turtle...don't half ass it.

But he's right as far as algae in a new tank is concerned. If it hasn't cycled yet...you will produce a lot of nitrates and phosphates that algae likes.

[samwoo2go]

Originally Posted by SpacE82

samwoo your an aquatic expert? according to the "what do you do" thread, you give fat old rich women rim jobs....just sayin, somethings fishy (no pun in intended).....

Originally Posted by TMNT

NO!

I guess you can put 87 octane in your tank and get away with it right? But would you do it?

OP, heaters are cheap, these are cold blooded animals living in a tank....make sure the water is warn enough for them. Plenty of info online about your turtle...don't half ass it.

But he's right as far as algae in a new tank is concerned. If it hasn't cycled yet...you will produce a lot of nitrates and phosphates that algae likes.

Chill out with the PETA stuff. I am not arguing for no heater and UV lamp based on the merit of expense. What I am saying is, OP is given the the turtle as a gift, and knows nothing. And I highly doubt he is ready to commit to the 60G+ tank that is required if you really want to be a "responsible and humane" owner when the little guy goes full size. And he is going to go full size REALLY quick if it's not allowed to hibernate because the temp is always summer.
What happens then? should the Turtle be kept in a 10g tank still when it can barely turn around, or given up to pet shops which means it's going to die, because no body wants a big red ear, or worse, released into the wild where it can invade local species. And don't even give me that owners should be responsible before getting a pet BS, because they are not, and making it easier for them to be responsible is key, shit on that if you want, but it's the truth.
No heater is NOT going to kill the turtle, or is even remotely endangering their health, it just sleeps more and move less which is what they do in the wild, and Texas is not that cold. Granted it's not the "best recommended" care approved by the humane society, but it's the lesser of the 2 evil IMO. Bottom line, no heat = slower or no growth = easier responsibility for owner to let the turtle live out it's natural length of life = lucky turtle.
That been said, I do recommend you putting him in a small plastic or glass container (with water and something for him to stand on of course) and bring him outside to chill out under the sun once every week or two for a good 8 hours, so he can get his fix of UV radiation, and that 8 hours of real sun beats any UV lamp for 2 weeks when it comes to proper UV.
Food department, don't just feed him those little crappy green pellets, give him some real meat once a week. Next time you go eat sushi, ask the chef for some fish end bits, put it in a medicine bottle or something and freeze it. When you need it, just scrape some out with a spoon and bam nutritious dinner is served. When you cook steak, give him a little of that too. only once a week tho and only a little bit because raw protein fucks with the water quality. every once in a while, you can get him something live like a guppy or tetra to chase, it'll really make his day. No feeder gold fish, they are garbage and full of disease.
I am not bullshitting, I really am an aquatic expert, fresh water for 12 years, and salt for 8 and I hate it when someone tries to lecture me on tutles because they read the wiki.
WASH YOUR HANDS, TURTLES, ESPECIALLY AQUATIC IS FILTHY BEYOND BELIEF.

[TMNT]

Originally Posted by samwoo2go

[img]
I hate it when someone tries to lecture me on tutles because they read the wiki.
[B]

Chill out with the sensitive stuff

I know my turtles. Hence the screen name...I've walked through green ooze!

[samwoo2go]

Originally Posted by TMNT

Chill out with the sensitive stuff

I know my turtles. Hence the screen name...I've walked through green ooze!

All good, if you stop questioning my aquatic authority.

[liminchun]

i've had 2 turtles before, same type grew about 9ins or so