Shell Question
- This topic has 5 replies, 1 voice, and was last updated 17 years, 4 months ago by
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Hi all, I am new to the group, and I have been curious about my DBT’s shell for some time now. I have looked at pictures online and have read about various shell conditions but still have not found something that matches (which may be because of my lack of expertise). Here is the link to my photo album: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/diamondbackterrapins/photos/album/1426909423/pic/list
Hi! I think you are dealing with some algea growth on your beautiful terrapins.I dont think i see any shell rot as i cant see them in person. Keep an eye out for any lifting scutes as you can get some growth trapped under and that will start some trouble. Algea is no danger to them and is common in wild turtles. I would just brush gently with a baby toothbrush and some water with a bit of kosher or sea salt disolved(dont use iodized salt).i am also assuming your water parameters need to be tested regularly as you may have too many nutrients in the water. (check nitrates as algea feeds on this) try to add some live plants and do more water changes as DBTs need pristine water quality and are prone to fungus / rot. do you keep them in brackish? dont forget cuttlebone with the hard side cut off for shell health. do you have a nice basking site set up for them as they just LOVE to bask. Make sure it is at 90F (measure with a good thermometer, not the paper kind, left on the site for 10 mins to correctly register) hope this helps.
Wow, thanks for the great reply. I currently do water changes weekly. Is that enough? I also do not keep her in brackish water. Is brackish a good option? As for the basking site, I will check the temperature. I have a backing lamp with uva and a fluorescent setup with both uva and uvb.
— In diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com, “craiger883”
Steve, I’m very glad you see no shell rot. I’m not sure how old she is exactly, but in August of 2008 she was about 2 inches long. I measured her a week ago, and she is now almost 4 inches. As for feeding, I usually feed her 1 to 2 times each day and switch it up between reptomin, repto treats, and shrimp.
— In diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com, “craiger883”
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