How long have you had it? 1 year
What is the water temperature? 76-78
Did you use a thermometer? Yes
Are you using a water heater? Yes
How much water is in there? Little more than half
Are you using a water conditioner? No
Are you using any filtration? Yes
What is the basking temperature? high 80s-90
Is there a basking light? Yes
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? Yes
What kind is it or what is it made out of? Zoomed floating dock
Is there a UVB light? Yes
What have you been trying to feed it? Reptomin, carrots, lettuce, earthworms, rosy reds
When was the last time your turtle ate? Today...the trick is getting him to stop
How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 30 gallons
Is the tank near a window? No
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? No
Have you read the Basic Care section? Yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? Yes
Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? Acts perfectly healthy
Hi all,
Returning with another concern about Sal's shell. If anyone remembers, my turtle was the one with massive mineral desposit buildup which is all cleared up.
Today I noticed something interesting about his shell...he has this underlying light brownish hue (veinish pattern if that makes sense) on the his carapace (not on, like underneath the scutes) and I don't know what it is. I tried looking this up and the best I could find is shell rot at least description wise. No pictures seem to match it.
Unfotunately, I can't get a picture right now because its late but I'll get one up tomorrow for sure. If it is shell rot I would like to take care of it before it gets worse.
Behaviour wise, he's very energetic and healthy. Clear eyes, healthy appetite, basking, etc. Behaving normally.
I did scrub his shell last week as he had some algae buildup but it didn't seem to bother him. No discharge or slimy feel is apparent.
He's a painted turtle (midland I think). I don't know if painted turtle's shells change colour as they get older and this is what I'm seeing?
Any help would be appreciated.
Edit: Okay, I went to give him a once over again dried out. Its more like dark green patches (his shell is light green) running along the centre line of his carapace and then spreads out slightly down the to the left and right of the carapace but not all the way to the end. It appears brown (very dull though) if you look at him in the water and he's near the basking lights.
I pressed on it and he doesn't react. Nothing squishes around or comes out; no pus. Doesn't smell at all. Feels like part of his shell when I run my finger over it and press. Shell feels hard all over. He's looks like he's ready to shed as he has a transparent layer of scutes over his carapace (can actually see the red line that normally runs down his back that was on the surface is now underneath this layer).
Pictures:
