Question: How to get rid of the algea and slime on my turtles' shell ?

Answer: Turtle shells are made from bone covered with scutes. The shell is 'alive', has blood vessels inside and grows as the turtle grows. It is anything like wood. It is strong and sturdy, but should be treated gently when scrubbing and brushing. A toothbrush and lukewarm water are best for cleaning the shells from algea. The cleaning process should be gradual and done several times over a period of time. There should be no detergent or powder used as a helper. Algea grows usually when the tank is exposed to direct sunlight, so the best preventive measure would be to leave the part of the tank with water in shade and only the dry basking area in the sun. The best yet thing to do is never leave the tank in direct sunlight. In the summer the water heats up incredibly fast and you turtle will virtually boil in it. To read more about snapping turtle health please click here Thanks for asking! Stan

             Past entries click here.