Urgent Care :: turtles rubbing and closing their eyes

[scripta_elegans]

I have read lots of possible reasons for my turtles rubbing thier eyes and keeping their eyes closed sometimes when swimming, but I am uncertain of what to do. Here is the info; New 75 Gallon tank and XP3 filter set up Tuesday. Used recommended amount of Reptisafe in the water when filling the tank 1 tsp for every 5 gallons. Rinsed all media in the filter well before priming the filter. Water is 79 degrees on both sides and crystal clear and tested 0 for ammonia. Rinsed all new structures in the tank before putting them in there. Turtles are alert eating well and very clear eyed out of the water. They are showing no other symptoms. My husband thinks it is more commonly happening on the side of the tank opposite the filter. I also have a new 130 watt reptisun 10.0 above that side. And the basking platforms are at 90 and 87. Should I do a partial water change? Should I add more or less conditioner? Should I leave work and take them into the Vet? Help! And Thanks in advance! Nicole

[jenaero]

Don't panic and run off to the vet just yet. It does sound like it's something in the water tho. I've never had a problem so wait for someone with more experience to chime in on this one.

[CV Cream]

omg i noticed my turtle do that alot when i put him in a temporary container with tap water. For his 10 gallon i just bought distilled water, and he stoped rubbing and closing his eyes whiles swimming. But he does it sometimes. Do you have any recomendations for a inexpensive filter that can be used with 3-5 inches of water?

[amazingcc]

Their eyes might just be a little irritated from the water, but that should resolve itself within 24 - 48 hours, once the water in the tank cycles completely. If there's no swelling /discharge, or any other symptoms, I'd give it at least that long.

[amazingcc]

Sometimes the chlorine in tap water irritates their eyes, but I don't know of any filter for such a small amount of water.

[scripta_elegans]

The water has been in there since Tuesday. Isn't that enough time for it to cycle? They weren't initially rubbing their eyes either, which would lead me to believe it might be something else. Another odd behavior is that they look as if they are basking underwater. I have now seen 2 of 3 swim to the bottom and lay there with their eyes closed.

[amazingcc]

Well, that doesn't sound too good. Your water/basking temps are right on target... I'm stumped! Maybe a vet visit is a good idea after all.

[scripta_elegans]

How big is your turtle? 3 1.25, 1.5, 1.25
How long have you had it? 1 month

What is the water temperature? 80
Are you using a water heater? yes
How much water is in there? 65 gallons
Are you using a water conditioner? yes reptisafe
Are you using any filtration? yes XP3

What is the basking temperature? 91
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 turtle dock
Is there a UVB light? yes reptisun 10.0

What have you been trying to feed it? Pellets, red leaf lettuce, carrots, cuttlebone
When was the last time your turtle ate? an hour ago

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 75 gallons
Is the tank near a window? no
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? moderate

Have you read the Basic Care section? yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? yes

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? bottom basking?

[amazingcc]

Like I said before - your set-up is okay. How long have they been on the bottom of the tank? Mine occasionally sleep on the bottom of the tank, but not for a really long time.

[scripta_elegans]

They aren't down there for a huge amount of time, it is a behavior they are exhibiting that I haven't seen before. I have zoomed eye drops that I think I will try, but I am also considering doing a partial water change to see if it will help. I did think of one more thing, which is that I was always battling to keep the water at 80 in their old tank. It was often 82-84 before I would put ice in it. Could the change in water temperature be effecting their behavior?

[amazingcc]

That's possible, since hatchlings are very sensitive to changes. I would hold off on medicating them, especially if their eyes aren't swollen, or show any discharge. How long have you had them in the current tank?

[scripta_elegans]

Only since Tuesday. I recently aquired their new spacious kingdom Which they seem to be enjoying most of the time. I am just really unsure about what could be creating this problem. If they had a respritory infection, I would expect them to exhibit more than just eye irritation and bottom resting. They might also be sleeping a little more than usual, but they have always been on the sleepy side.

[amazingcc]

Keep in mind that turts are VERY GOOD at hiding illnesses!!! Sometimes, by the time they actually exhibit symptoms, they're already very sick. I don't want to scare you... just something to remember.

[scripta_elegans]

I think the behavior of swimming to the bottom and laying there is basking! I know sunlight can penetrate 3 feet of water, so I bet the UV light can get down to the floor of the tank. I have seen at least one turtle with 3 limbs stretched out like he does when he's on the basking platforms! It seems odd, but I can't really see why else he would appear that way. The other turt had his head stretched up toward the light too! In the last tank the platform totally shaded the tank floor, so it is a new thing to do for them. I have a vet appointment with the only recommended herp vet near me next week. I did a 50% water change, and we will see on the eye rubbing. I am going to keep a very close eye on them, and if I see any other symptoms, I will go into the emergency clinic.

[amazingcc]

So is your lamp UVA or UVB? Also, basking in the water is not beneficial to the turts, since they need to dry off completely in order to prevent shell rot and other illnesses.