I have two questions about Red Eared Sliders.?

The first question is what do other people do when they go on vacation. I have one Red eared slider and am planning on a week long vacation. Do I need to get some one to come in and feed it? My other question is he has some algae growth on the shell. Is this normal? I usually just wipe it off with a paper towel.

I have two questions about Red Eared Sliders.?
1. Vacation feeding: If the turtles are over about 3-4", just feed them well before you leave and go. The suggestions of a handful of anachris water plants or small feeder fish are good as well. If the turtles are babies, you really should have someone check on them at least every other day.





As a rule of thumb, however, if your tank is well established and automated (timers, etc.) a week should be no problem. One trick you can try is to overfeed a LITTLE for a week before going.





2. Algae is actually a pretty good sign. A thin coat of algae on a turtle's shell is normal and harmless, and means that the habitat is usually in pretty decent shape. It might indicate a need for cleaning if the water smells funny (a good turtle tank should have no scent), or cutting down on sunlight from the windows (it does not help the turtles, but plants tend to love it!)





Many people use snails and Chinese algae eaters in their tanks to help. Turtles often eat snails so they do two jobs at once!
Reply:1.probably get a friend or someone that knows about them to come and feed them and check up on them. 2.try using an old toothbrush to brush his shell lightly.
Reply:if you want to go away for a week i reccommend a plant called annacharis, or elodia, you can get it at a pet store, get a few bunches and put it in before you leave, it will not rot if you leave the light on and he can eat it, if he doesnt no worries they can go months without food, a week wont hurt him.





as for the algae, i think you need to clean the tank more frequently, algae is caused by too much nutrients in the water, the light just helps.





good luck
Reply:Rosey Red Minnows are a good substitute food. Just throw a whole bunch in. I would definetely have someone check on 'em though just for safe measure.


And the algae is definetely a sign it's time to clean the tank!
Reply:I've left my turtle for over a week and usually I just put some goldfish in there for her to eat while I'm gone. She's an Eastern Painted Turtle though, and is mostly carnivorous, so I don't know if there's a big difference in termperament or diet there. The best thing to do is have someone come and feed her while you're gone, or leave her at someone's house for them to take care of her. I believe you can get turtle feeder blocks at the pet store, but I'm not sure.





The algae growth is usually an indication that you need to clean out the tank more often, or that you need a better filtration system. You could try getting some plecos, but you turt might eat them.
Reply:Does it have a basking light and a UV light? And you should get someone to care for it when you go away.
Reply:They have to eat every day, of course you have to get someone to come and feed him and if he has algae growing on him you aren't keeping his tank very clean, your room must stink like oh my god.



small business web