General Care Discussion :: Is his shell just dry or dirty or is something wrong?

[Tinky'sMom]

Just wondering if Tinky's shell and its dullness is just it being dry or dirty or if there is a problem. He is about 4.5 inches big. When he's in the water his shell is perfectly fine and doesn't look dried out. But when his shell dries off this is what it looks like. I don't know if the sand in his tank that's making it look dry like this. I tried to clean it off a little with a toothbrush, but didn't do it too long cause he kept being fussy, so I left him alone. He seems to be happy and healthy. Swims and eats. He basks for short periods a few times a day. He has a regular and a UVB bulb. Just want to get rid of this dullness.

[Tinky'sMom]

Forgot to add that Tinky is just over a year old. I got him June 2012 when he was a baby

[ljapa]

I'll let the experts chime in, but if it doesn't show under water, it may just be hard water deposits. Do you have hard water?

[steve]

I think it's hard water too. From the overall appearance, you need to cut back on pellets/protein.

[Tinky'sMom]

Thanks. Glad to know its nothing seriously wrong with his shell. Yeah I know he's a little chunky monkey. Lol I've cut him back to eating pellets or jello shots every other day.