) It was clear that Roxie needed a bigger, better habitat. We were fortunate enough to find a 30 gallon aquarium, we bought a filter and two lamps; heat and UVB. The water doesn't drop below 70 at night, so I haven't bought a nighttime water heater. Her water is about 75 - 78 degrees. The first three days, she wouldn't eat. She just started eating two days ago and this afternoon, I finally caught her basking for the first time. I have been anxious about her recovery and took her eating and basking as a good sign. However, seeing her for the first time, dried off and basking, I noticed white, powder looking stuff on her neck, and her shell seems uneven and lumpy in places. I assume that the white scuff marks are from getting under her rock yesterday (I don't know if she got stuck, but it scared me so I blocked off her ability to climb under it). I'm concerned that the condition of her shell indicates that her health is worse than I thought. The "turtle expert" at the pet store seems to think all our efforts may be in vain - that it's too-little too-late, but I really don't want that to be the case. My daughter has bonded with her and loves her so much. She counted out every penny she had and put it in her "Turtle Care Fund" but it isn't much. We've already spent a great deal of money on all her habitat stuff. Plus, between her just getting settled and our other animal rescue being a dog with a rather costly auto-immune disorder (don't worry, the dog cannot get to Roxie, and is locked in a kennel when we aren't home)- I'd like to avoid the cost and stress of an unneeded trip to the vet, but I don't want this poor girl to suffer anymore than she already has, or worse - die. Is there anything else I can do to help her along in her recovery? Will her shell recover now that she has lights? Is the white stuff fungus? Is her shell rotting? Are there supplements or something we should be giving her? Better food? She can still be ok right?White stuff: http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/cryst ... d.jpg.html
Shell: http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/cryst ... ml?filters[user]=141803952&filters[recent]=1&sort=1&o=1
http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/cryst ... ml?filters[user]=141803952&filters[recent]=1&sort=1&o=3
Basking spot too small? http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/cryst ... ml?filters[user]=141803952&filters[recent]=1&sort=1&o=2
How big is your turtle? About 5.5 Inch
How long have you had it? Less than a week.
What is the water temperature? Between 75 and 78 F
Did you use a thermometer? Yes
Are you using a water heater? No
How much water is in there? About 10 gallons.
Are you using a water conditioner? Yes.
Are you using any filtration? Yes Whisper 10i Internal Power Filter by Tetra Care
What is the basking temperature? Really Warm
Is there a basking light? Yes 75 Watt
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? Yes
What kind is it or what is it made out of? Rock
Is there a UVB light? Yes
What have you been trying to feed it? Growth Formula Pellets by Zoomed for 2" - 6" turtles.
When was the last time your turtle ate? This morning (about 4 pellets).
How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 30 Gallons
Is the tank near a window? No
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? Evening yes, all day, only me and the baby.
Have you read the Basic Care section? Yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? Yes, at length... for hours.
Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? New owners, new family, new tank - I don't know how much is stress and how much is concerning?
