General Care Discussion :: soft water

[SamanthasFamily]

One more question that I forgot to post in my last message. We have soft water, and the side of the tank where the heat lamp shines have mineral/salt deposits on it that I can't scrub off. Also I've noted white around Samantha's scutes... could that be salt/mineral build up? Should I start using distilled water or something else in the tank?

[steve]

Do you only see the white on the scutes after Samantha's been out of the water for long periods?

[SamanthasFamily]

honestly I never really noticed it until I posted the pictures and it really showed up in those. She had been out of the water for quite a while when I took the pictures because my daughter was playing with her. I haven't noticed it when she was in the tank.

[steve]

How old is your daughter? Most RES don't like handling and there should be extra caution with a hatchling. How well is she adapting?

[devilduck]

Have you tried regular vinegar and/or a razor blade to remove the mineral deposits on the tank? Typically, this means your water is hard not soft.