Chun-Ming Chew
I have tried keeping dbts in both brackish and freshwater setups and appear to have greater success if salt is added to their water. For some wild-caught specimens, I think the addition of salt might even be compulsory for their survival since they are used to it’s antiseptic values. Having had my share of skin and shell problems, I have always admired those that have successfully avoided these issues while keeping their dbts in freshwater. I currently still keep salt in my dbt water but it’s just short of being brackish since I like to try to keep feeders and plants alive in their environment as well. I agree that we’re in a pioneering stage in dbt captive husbandry and there’s LOTS to learn. I’m sure there are truths/myths pertaining to water quality, food, disease prevention, etc. that have yet to be researched and uncovered. Dare we be the ones to uncover these truths/myths and provide much needed education to those that are drawn to these turtles in like manner as we are? Let’s keep an open mind… Chun — In diamondbackterrapins@egroups.com, greentrees