terrapins

Question
Hi. Ive just got two terrapins, one male and one female. They seem to have some light algae around their neck and fert. Is this normal if not how can it be treated? thanks very much

Answer
Jamie,  I would like to ask you what type of water turtle you have and ....I really need to know size of your set up , what type of filtration and , most importatly what temp. are you keeping them at, and what type of lighting.Are you usung a fish tank light or reptile lighting,do you have a hood or a grated top. Are you using UVA and UVB. They can grow algae and no don't take a toothbrush to it. It sounds like you do not have a large enough basking area for them to completely dry dry with the correct wattage basker over it. In the wild they may grow algea but, in your tank they should not. In the wild there are fish and other creatures that eat it even though they may get eaten themselves..lol Kinda like the Ramoras and the sharks. So please send me that info and we will see what we can do about this problem. Tina