General Care Discussion :: Shedding,Fungus,and UVB

[vieniebebe]

OK,I have two questions,well 3.First,how should I know the difference between shedding and fungus.Second,if it is fungus,how do i get rid of it(detailed)and,third.To get a UVB lighs do i need to take Vien outside or just let the rays in through the window?Please help

[cam722]

Not to sound nasty or anything, but have you read any of the information on the main website? There is a ton of information regarding most of the questions you've asked so far. If you don't know where the main website is and you've only accessed the forum.. you can find the index here..

http://redearslider.com/index_topics.html

As for the UVB, if you take the turtle outside, do NOT take it out in a glass container as it will overheat and could kill your turtle. To get any benefit from sunlight, it has to be direct, ie, not through glass, plastic etc. Ever notice how you don't get a sunburn/tan through a car window? Glass filters out the rays. You can also take the turtle outside and just let it run around but you need to be very very careful because they run rather fast. Many people on here have lost a turtle because of not keeping a close eye on them. Also when you take them out, you need to provide a shaded area for them if you plan on keeping them out for any length of time. They need to be able to adjust their body temp. Hope this helps.

[vieniebebe]

Of course i read the information.But it's kind of cold outside,so maybe i can take a basking lamp outside?

[cam722]

Well there's no reason to take a lamp outside. The reason you'd be taking them out is for the sunlight. If it's too cold out, then just use a UVB lamp inside. You don't want them outside in cold weather, which is why those of us in colder climates use UVB during the colder months. When the temps in 70 and over, then you can take the turtle out for natural UVB rays..

[vieniebebe]

Yea but I won't be able to buy UVB for like 2 months.I'm broke,and my mom won't let me borrow any more money.Hopefully she's gonna ask around at work,and someone will have a spare one.But for now,how can I keep Vien warm outside?

[cam722]

If it's too cold outside, DO NOT take her out. Simple as that. Btw, what are the temps in New Mexico that you keep saying it's cold there? You'll either have to get a UVB some how, or she'll have to go without it until you get it, or wait until the temperatures rise. Maybe someone else will have a suggestion.

[vieniebebe]

Hey guess what?Vien's shell is getting better,even though she tried escaping and felt again ,she's been basking.I also got a heater,and anacharis.Still to go a UVB lamp(when i'm richer)

[jenaero]

The cheapest I've seen for a uvb bulb is $20 so they're not that expensive. I use a uva/uvb combo but those are $80 which is fine if you have the cash.

I just wanted to say that putting him by the window won't help because glass/plastic blocks uvb rays. Just make sure you get a bulb as soon as you can. Maybe you can do a few extra chores for some extra money?

[marisa]

If you check different sites on-line, depending on the bulb and brand, you can get them much more cheaply than buying from a store. I've seen regular UVB lights for as low as $13.99 on sale, the mercury vapor (combo) bulb I'm using cost about $35 (not recommended for smaller tanks).

[butterfly]

You really have to be careful about her falling out of the tank and fix whatever is causing it immediately. How is she managing to do that anyways?

[vieniebebe]

i was putting a heater in,and i put her in a different tank thing,and i don't know how the heck she got out but she did.She seems fine right now,but if her shell gets worse,then i'll take her to the vet.I'm not going to get uvb right now,because it's only good for 6 months,and it's getting warmer outside.i will get it when it gets cold again.I found one at petsmart,that's uva/uvb heat lamp,and it's about $20.

[marisa]

Is the light you're talking about the ESU Coil UVB light? If it is, it doesn't produce enough heat and you have to use a second light for that (a lightbulb will work fine).

[vieniebebe]

I don't know if it's ESu,it's swirly.That's fine,i have a basking lamp.I'm buying a UVB on tuesday,since Vien's shell is really bad now,and if that doesn't help,i'll take her to the vet.I aslo got a heater,YAY,but it's a pain in the butt.Is there anything else I can do to make her better?

[marisa]

If "swirly," the UVB light is an ESU. This light does produce about 3% UVB rays and needs to be positioned fairly close to your turtle (6-8 inches) and definitely needs to be replaced in 6 months. A Reptisun would have a higher UVB output, and if you buy on-line, they cost about the same as the ESU.

I'm still unclear--is this shell rot or fungus we're talking about? Can you post a pic of the shell dry? For either, keeping the water clean, and providing a good basking area with correct lighting (the heat and UVB lights) would help, as would a good, balanced diet.

If you're unsure what the shell problem is, and especially since you said the shell is really bad now, it really would be best to take your turtle to a herp vet. If it is shell rot, it can be bacterial or fungal, and a vet could determine which and prescribe proper treatment.

[vieniebebe]

I can't take her to the vet,since she's under 4 inches/I will have no problem with placing UVB close to turtle,and i will look at different UVB lights,but i think i'll go with this 1.I will also caal to vets,and ask if they can look at her