General Care Discussion :: Musk Turtle Question

[logo897]

Hello,

I wanted to address a problem I think my musk turtle has. I notice that my musk turtle has algae growing on its shell as well as it peeling, and even the shell is rising like the top arcs (bacteria grows underneath it)

I think that's a problem but I have no idea what to do.. As I've said in my previous thread I have gotten a canister filter, but the filter inside is getting really dirty even after cleaning it really hard 2 times. I had to buy a quietflow 50 pump and it seems to be doing the job, although my turtle water still smells and I see pieces of skin and particles moving around. I also have a read eared slider but the main problem is the musk turtle i believe, or that's my main concern because of how it's shell looks like it's rotting..

Also, I had a 15 gallon tank but upgraded it to a 30 gallon tank and it looks like I need to go higher, however I can't because I don't have enough room as well as the amount of weight it puts on my bedroom shelf. I wish I can put it on the ground but I have a dog that would go crazy and still lack of space.

Any help would be appreciated and I feel very bad for being a bad owner

[steve]

Can you post pictures of it? Is she basking? You said this was a recent purchase, so this was like it when you got her? Where did you get her from?

[logo897]

I got her from this store called mark's ark and yes she baskes a lot. Her shell didn't look like this picture:

[logo897]

here is one more pic

[steve]

I would be real gentle and scub the area. If you have Hibiclens or Betadine, mix some in and then rinse it off. See what's coming off, what's loose or what else is going on. Then let it dry and re-examine the area.

I don't see any serious problems, the turtle needs to shed those marginals and you might want to review his diet.

[logo897]

Thank you but what exactly should he eat? I feed pellets, sticks, and occasionally lettuce and bloodworms

[steve]

I'd look over the caresheets here (you just might have to limit quantity):

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/c ... inkpot.htm
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/musk.html

[logo897]

Ok thank you!

[steve]

No problem and good luck!

[Jeremiah]

I don't mean to sound rude, but are you sure that's a musk turtle? The pictures remind me of some kind of map turtle.

[logo897]

I'm sure that it's a musk turtle because I googled it and the guy at the store said it is. And no you're all good

[SneakySushie]

I'm sure that it's a musk turtle because I googled it and the guy at the store said it is. And no you're all good

Can we see a shot of it s face? A side shot? It does look like a map...

[mythicalpet]

Is your musk's skin puffy and swollen? If so, take it to the vet ASAP. If not, just use a toothbrush and some Betadine diluted with water gently scrub the shell.