We've had Tee for 4+ years, and guess she is 5+ years old (shell measures 7 1/2"). She outgrew her last tank, so we purchased a new 40 gallon "breeder" tank for fish (wider & deeper, not as slim as a normal fish tank). We didn't add anything new, and returned all of her usual rock & basking platform. Her shell is shedding scutes, and I know she needs to dry out in order for them to fall off properly. But the problem is, she isn't eating like she usually does, and she isn't basking.
She has been spending all of her time under the basking platform at the bottom of the tank.
We've never had a health problem with her & have always kept her tank spotless or close to it.
She has a "day light blue", 75 watt bulb above the platform, and we've used that type and wattage since day one of bringing her home.
Could the not eating be because she is shedding? This is the second time she has shed and we can't remember if she had the same behavior the last time.
Is there any way to get her to start basking again?
Water temp is maintained at 75*, and checked by a thermometer on the side of the tank.
I feed her large pellets (according to her size) 5-6 every 3 to 4 days, a shrimp ball every 2 weeks & 6-12 feeder fish once a month. This morning I skipped feeding her pellets and gave her a shrimp ball instead. She ate it with no problem.
