General Care Discussion :: ~Shell Question~

[Asa's Mommy]

Hi, turtle lovers. I've grown more and more concerned about Asa's shell... it doesn't seem to look like any other RES shells I see online. The part between scutes varies from plain brown to almost a kelly green, and this just started about 3 weeks ago. Out of the water, the green part takes the longest to dry, I think. Stays dark brown until dry, turns green again right away in his tank though. I read about 'brushing' the shell but I also know he won't like it, so I wanted to ask you guys first.
I don't have a filter yet but I'm getting one this weekend. I've been bailing out about half the water each day (20 gallon tank but only keep it a quarter filled) and replenishing the water with conditioned lukewarm tapwater. I know I need to be keeping tabs on the temperature.... He eats shrimp, mealworms, a tiny bit of Dandelion greens and carrot, but not much veggies. I know I was overfeeding for the first 2 weeks but when I figured that out I cut the food way down. He's 2 inches, so I'm assuming about a year old, if that helps? Thanks in advance for your advice.

[steve]

There is a bit of algae on it... I would try to clean it up to see if there are any other issues.

[Asa's Mommy]

Thank you Steve! I was a little nervous, since of course my turtle disapproved of the cleaning. I did get quite a bit of the green off and noticed shedding of brown stuff at the same time. No smell or weird stuff.... I guess he's just a little blotchy for a RES. Maybe he's a hybrid? What do you think? I apologize if this is the wrong forum area- let me know if it is or how to move the post elsewhere.

[steve]

There could be brown algae, but what blotchy part are you referring too? Can you post an updated picture?

[Asa's Mommy]

I just noticed your question- thank you for your continued assistance! I took a few pics a moment ago and this one is probably the clearest. The algae came off easy but grew back FAST. Under the algae appears brown and healthy, but the rest of his shell is like some sort of calico. LOL
Orange, light beige, and brown, with no discernible pattern...

[steve]

Is there any sunlight reaching the tank? IsAsa basking often? I'd keep cleaning the shell as that is a bit too much. Also, any white areas could be fungus.