I know this is a debated subject, but do red ear slider turtles absolutly need UVB light? Mine have it but it has been growing algae in that tank something aweful. If I could remove that uvb light it would really help the algae problem......what do ya'll think?

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-Adam

"Help Protect our Planet from Overcollection, Purchase Aquacultured Livestock and Captive Bred Herps"

I wasn't aware it was a debated subject.
They need UVB light.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

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Zane Neher.

The great and strong man is one who bears within his character many contradictions.
Crocodilian care.

I keep snails instead of algae eaters in my tanks, the turtle occasionally eat the fish, but so far have not eaten the snails.

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Answers are great. But I prefer questions!

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i have tried a plecostomus with success but, ever since the last one I got harbored worms, and infected my turtles, it's been hard finding a large enough one that does not come from that store. If snails work, then I will certaily try them. I was just afraid that the snail would be eaten faster than the fish. Yesterday morning, i installed an additional filter that is very powerful and keeps the water moving more. The algae has started to subside somewhat.


Thanks for the advice

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-Adam

"Help Protect our Planet from Overcollection, Purchase Aquacultured Livestock and Captive Bred Herps"

All turtles rely heavily on UVB exposure, especially baskers like cooters, painteds, and sliders. Without it they can't metaboize calcium and die, though not quickly. Algae actually causes no harm at all, so if you can live with it, its really no big deal. Personally, I like algae. It gives the tank a more authentic pond look. But, if you don't like the way it looks, snails should help a little. You can also buy magnetic algae-scraping brushes in the fish department at many pet stores, or algae killer, though I don't know how safe it is with turtles (its safe with fish though apparently). I'd avoid plecostomus and corydoras. Although they eat algae, they also make a tempting meal to a turtle. Unfortunately, they also harbor sharp spines in their dorsal and pectoral fins that can give a turtle a sharp surprise. With snails though, the larger the better as turtles will eat smaller ones if they notice them.

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"Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines." - John Benfield

Kinda on this subject,

I got my RES last summer, at that time she was 3 years old, the owners having collected her from a creek, she was a little smaller than she is now (about 4 inches), and had NEVER had a UVB light. Ever. Had only had a small basking bulb, with very little water and a whisper in tank filter. Not saying they don't need them, but in this case it seems to be true....

I'm sorry to say,,,it is not true. Basking turtles need UVB light without question in order to be as healthy as can be. I am not saying they cannot live without it as your's shows. But yours is not getting what is required to live a healthy life.

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Ken
" The United States Marine Corps......sure we are a department of the Navy,,,,,,we're the MENS department "

Perhaps you should re-read my post....I stated that the previous owners, the people whom I got her from, didn't have a UVB light, at all, for the three years they had her. She has a UVB light now.

Ken was only clarifying the fact that UVB is necessary.
Someone reading your post could have interpreted it to be saying that it wasn't. The fact that the turtle did not have UVB for a period of time and survived should not be interpreted as proper care.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!