Urgent Care :: Please help! Shell problems. :(

[leischisto]

I recently got a turtle from somebody. I don't think she has been well taken care of, as when I got her, she only came with a very small tank around 6x12x6 inches. I think there is something wrong with its shell. Please help!

Here are some photos of her when dry:


She doesn't look as whitish when wet.

My turtle is around 3 inches, and I only had her for around 2 weeks. She is very active and eats normally. There's nothing unusual aside from the appearance of the shell. The shell doesn't feel soft either, and she doesn't have a smell too.

Initially, I put her in the small tank with around 2 inches of water (so the top of the 2-inch rock inside remains dry if she wants to bask). I attached an incandescent bulb for her, and a small water filter inside the tank. I feed her with Nutri pellets.

Now, I am dry-docking her because I'm afraid that she has shell rot.

I have ordered a much larger tank for her but it hasn't arrived yet. The tank will come with a better filter, a full-spectrum lamp and a floating basking island.

[steve]

It's fungus with a bit of algae. Did you order a "turtle tank"? If so, I would return it and we can help guide you to purchase better items for your turtle.

[devilduck]

That's fungus. Take the turtle to the vet and they should give you some antifungal creme.
I agree with Steve, most items that are labeled for "turtle" use are overpriced and inappropriate for RES.

[leischisto]

Thanks! I'll do that. How long does it usually take for the fungus to subside?

The tank that I got is a 12"x24"x16" glass tank. The lamp is Solar Glo 125W with the appropriate fixture. I also got a Eheim classic canister filter.
Are these good or should I get other things to replace these? Thanks again!

[steve]

If its the right treatment, fungus can go away within a few days. It can comeback and be more resistant to medications if not handled properly.

The tank is still a bit small. Look into storage containers for something large and temporary. Petco has a few sales a year that give good discounts on tanks and don't forget about craigslist. A properly cared for glass tank will last years. That said, you will soon be able to sex your turtle, so if it's a she you should look into larger tanks.

[leischisto]

Okay thanks!

I got a 36x18x18 aquarium instead. I think that's big enough right?

[steve]

Yes, that's better. It would be roughly $50+ tax under a Petco sale (for reference).