How long have you had it? Since 2003
What is the water temperature? 72
Did you use a thermometer? yes
Are you using a water heater? yes
How much water is in there? About 26 gallons
Are you using a water conditioner? yes
Are you using any filtration? No, filter broke, doing weekly changes
What is the basking temperature? 80ish
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? Cork
Is there a UVB light? yes
What have you been trying to feed it? Reptomin turtle food pellets as well as grammare menu
When was the last time your turtle ate? This morning
How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 29 long
Is the tank near a window? no
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? no
Ok, my mother brought home these adorable little RES back in the summer of 2003 because they reminded her of her beloved childhood pet. Claiming authority on the subject, she has made the majority of decisions in their care. I left it up to her, only following orders when she asked for help. One is about 6inches long, and the smaller is closer to 4in. Both have great appetites, and they’ve never shown signs that anything was wrong. Recently, I acquired a Missippi Map of my own and started researching their care and how it might differ from the sliders. It was at this point that I realized Mom was GROSSLY under informed! Up until this summer, they were without UV lighting and had no basking area (only a floating log they could hang on to). Their tank was not kept at a steady temp, and the tank was only about half full of water. Shocked and amazed that our pets have survived this long, I began making changes.
I increased the water level (only low enough to allow them out of the water and still keeping them in the tank) and upped to changes weekly, and installed a heater right off. Next I redesigned the tank- installed the largest floating dock I could find (its large enough for them to get completely out of the water) with a heat lamp for them to bask under. When I saw how badly their shells were shedding, I did a little more research and added the UV light. After the first month or so, I was amazed at how much improved they looked! The colors were really brightening in their shells, and their appetites were voracious. I’ve begun plans to move them into a much larger tank and will have a canister filter on it (need suggestions for a good one) as soon as I can get a little money ahead. I thought everything was on the right track… until yesterday.
I noticed this washed out looking spot on the smaller one’s shell. There are no other indications that anything is wrong, but this worries me nonetheless. Any idea what it could be?
