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I recently got a turtle from somebody. I don't think she has been well taken care of, as when I got her, she only came with a very small tank around 6x12x6 inches. I think there is something wrong with its shell. Please help!

Here are some photos of her when dry:


She doesn't look as whitish when wet.

My turtle is around 3 inches, and I only had her for around 2 weeks. She is very active and eats normally. There's nothing unusual aside from the appearance of the shell. The shell doesn't feel soft either, and she doesn't have a smell too.

Initially, I put her in the small tank with around 2 inches of water (so the top of the 2-inch rock inside remains dry if she wants to bask). I attached an incandescent bulb for her, and a small water filter inside the tank. I feed her with Nutri pellets.

Now, I am dry-docking her because I'm afraid that she has shell rot.

I have ordered a much larger tank for her but it hasn't arrived yet. The tank will come with a better filter, a full-spectrum lamp and a floating basking island.

It's fungus with a bit of algae. Did you order a "turtle tank"? If so, I would return it and we can help guide you to purchase better items for your turtle.

That's fungus. Take the turtle to the vet and they should give you some antifungal creme.
I agree with Steve, most items that are labeled for "turtle" use are overpriced and inappropriate for RES.

Thanks! I'll do that. How long does it usually take for the fungus to subside?

The tank that I got is a 12"x24"x16" glass tank. The lamp is Solar Glo 125W with the appropriate fixture. I also got a Eheim classic canister filter.
Are these good or should I get other things to replace these? Thanks again!

If its the right treatment, fungus can go away within a few days. It can comeback and be more resistant to medications if not handled properly.

The tank is still a bit small. Look into storage containers for something large and temporary. Petco has a few sales a year that give good discounts on tanks and don't forget about craigslist. A properly cared for glass tank will last years. That said, you will soon be able to sex your turtle, so if it's a she you should look into larger tanks.

Okay thanks!

I got a 36x18x18 aquarium instead. I think that's big enough right?

Yes, that's better. It would be roughly $50+ tax under a Petco sale (for reference).