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RES Help Turtle basking all day

PostPosted: Fri Oct 01, 2010 7:48 pm
by PhilthyTurtle
How big is your turtle? 1.5 inches (both of them)
How long have you had it? 2 weeks

What is the water temperature? 74-76 degrees F
Did you use a thermometer? Yes
Are you using a water heater? Yes
How much water is in there? not sure i believe its a 15 gallon tank thats full between 1/3rd to 1/2 of a full tank
Are you using a water conditioner? no
Are you using any filtration? yes

What is the basking temperature? around 88-90
Is there a basking light? yes
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? yes (note there are two basking areas)
What kind is it or what is it made out of? its a magnetic platform in the shape of a rock and the other is the plexiglass ramp
Is there a UVB light? yes

What have you been trying to feed it? Reptomin Turtle Pellets
When was the last time your turtle ate? Today

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 5 gallons i believe
Is the tank near a window? no
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? somewhat

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

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms?
Today i noticed one of my turtles was basking all day. This morning it was very active and eating fine. While looking at it, I noticed what looked to be skin shedding around the neck of my turtle. I am not sure if this is normal or not. While basking, the turtle sometimes has its neck stuck out and looks to be breathing from the neck area. I'm really scared for my turtle. Ill try to upload a picture as soon as i can, but I now cant see the fuzzy skin shedding anymore.

I apologize for asking about this, but this is the first pet I've ever had, and I am very worried. If any more information is needed I will give it.

Re: RES Help Turtle basking all day

PostPosted: Sat Oct 02, 2010 1:27 am
by my.lovely.turtle.
okay hun, five gallon tank? No... The "rule" that we all try to go by is "have ten gallons for every inch of turtle", so if a turtle is an 1.5 inches you need 15 gallons for one turtle. So 15 gallons for one turtle and 15 for another equals thirty gallons, that you should have atleast! I am in no way critisizing you, just informing yyou.

As for shedding, it's normal... but excessive shedding is a sign of too warm of water.

Maybe post a pic of your turtle if you can so more professional turtle keepers here can give you their opinions :)

sorry hun but five gallons is no where near enough.

Re: RES Help Turtle basking all day

PostPosted: Sat Oct 02, 2010 1:34 am
by PhilthyTurtle
opps that was a typo 15*gal

and its not excessive, i just wasnt sure if it was normal

Re: RES Help Turtle basking all day

PostPosted: Sat Oct 02, 2010 1:38 am
by my.lovely.turtle.
oh gosh. Okay, I'm sorry about that then. I feel so rude!

Yes skin shedding happens. Correct me if I'm wrong (anyone) but I believe that shedding skin is normal.

Re: RES Help Turtle basking all day

PostPosted: Sat Oct 02, 2010 2:04 am
by PhilthyTurtle
ahhh its ok!! ^__^ stuff happens right?

I'm going to buy a 60 gallon tank soon though so thats kinda why i sprung for this 15 for now

this tank was meant to be a feeder tank actually haha

Re: RES Help Turtle basking all day

PostPosted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 4:12 pm
by vear
Hello - skin shedding is normal. Why do you have 2 basking areas? Do both of them have heat AND UVB? Anyway, the thing with the neck is normal too. Is there anything else you're concerned about?