Urgent Care :: Newbie question - algae

[yodaskeepers]

At certain times of the year, the sun comes in low and shines on one corner of my turtle's tank (RES, 20-odd years old). Because I know it happens, I don't usually worry too much about the green algae that then occurs on the inside of the tank - I clean it off with a magnetic cleaner/scraper thing, and change a percentage of the water in the tank. The water doesn't turn green, it's just a patchy coating on the inside of the tank; I'm possibly making it sound worse than it is.

Regardless ... I was watching my turtle this evening and noticed two things a little different that I wanted to ask your collective opinions on:

1. She has air bubbles coming from her nose, reasonably regularly, whilst under the water. I've not noticed this before, but perhaps it was because I was watching so hard because of my second question ...

2. She has a little (a very little) green algae about her nostrils. I can't figure out if it's growing there (!) or whether it is 'caught' there.

I'm not sure what my best course of action is.

Please, I'm not in the US, or the UK. The likelihood of my finding a herp vet is VERY remote. Yes, we have a vet, but he's more likely to be able to help with our cattle, not my RES

Any suggestions?

TIA.

[TheComputerGremlin]

Hmm, so without a vet, my best advice is, you know those little snotty nose sucker-outers they have for babies? It's like a little bulb, basically a pipet except it costs more because people buy it for their kids. Find one of those and try to gently suck the algae out. Then I'd report back if it worked or not.

You don't have to find EXACTLY this type of bulb, but something with the same concept, and not quite as large as a turkey baster!

[grey goose]

She may just be trying to eat the algae off the glass, and got some on her nose. Try wiping it off with a Q-tip.
When they blow bubbles when under water, especially larger turts, they are just releasing "ballast" (air) from their lungs so they can swim deeper.

I really see no problems with your big girl.......

[untsmurf]

If you put up some curtains infront of that window during that time of year, you'll prevent that excess of algae growth. Other than that, I agree with grey goose.

[yodaskeepers]

Thanks for the replies ... the algae around her nose was gone this morning, so I'm happy. Will spend some of the weekend changing water etc, and yes, we do often pull the curtains to prevent the sun shining directly on her tank, but ... it's winter, and I really NEED the sun in my home at this time of year. Sorry turt!

That's interesting to read about the 'ballast' ... I tend to worry a bit about her, as nearly 8 years ago she tried to kill herself by launching herself off the edge of our deck onto concrete stairs below. Bright red, frothy blood out of her mouth. Ohmygod I nearly died! It was over December, she was getting antibiotic jabs from my (now gone) awesome vet (which she hated - they obviously hurt her) and she recovered really well. So yes, I do tend to worry about her. Her tank-make, a second RES (I bought the pair from the same hatching) died from an unknown cause 10 or so years ago. Enyhoo, too much information.

Have been having a poke around this website and am envious and impressed by some of the set-ups I see pictured! Went in to a pet store locally today and they only have coral 'sand', around 45lb for US$70! Yikes. Will have a look overseas later in the year whilst away on holiday!

Thanks again!

[marisa]

Just wondering, but why is this post in the Urgent Care forum?

yodaskeepers, please post your questions in the appropriate forums...