The transition to brackish….
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I know the debate is ongoing and both sides have their advantages, but I think I am finally deciding to switch over my (2) terrapin 75 gallon aquarium to brackish. I have had a few cases of minor shell rot on the female that have raised since a hatchling and I just traded out a female (that was stated as being a male before I bought her, long story) that I had for 6 months for a male that needed to be adopted and he has a few slightly soft areas on his plastron. Granted, I keep the water incredible clean with frequent partial water changes, filters rated at double the capacity of the tank, and feeding them in separate containers, there has still been some shell problems. Since adopting my new setup with a raised, enclosed basking area above the top of the aquarium rim I haven’t even had any algae growth to speak of (the basking light is blocked from hitting the water directly by the bottom of the basking area). The water is definitely clean enough, I just think I have run out of other options.I have read up on the suggestions on Jonathan’s page and others, but I didn’t know if there is a method any of you have used to help terrapins (who at least one of have only ever been in fresh water) adjust to the change? I know at one point when I first introduced crushed coral as a substrate they went a little crazy for the first 15 minutes or so even though I had rinsed it thoroughly first. I know they are made to live in brackish water but am still apprehensive about the initial change over. Does everyone just expose them to fresh water once a week so they can drink? I think the switch to brackish is the right one to make, is there any use in adding just some salinity to the water or is it just all or none to have any positive effect? Or should I just stick with the 1.012 – 1.014 specific gravity? I haven’t really seen this subject come in a while and I just wanted to make sure I do everything right to have the least amount of negative impact on the terps. Sorry for the 100 questions all once, any help I can get will be appreciated. Thank in advance!-Scott
I’ve found that the ones who bask out in the pond in natural sunlight seldom have problems. I keep a low dose of salt in there – goldfish/koi level. I do have problems with the terrapins indoors no matter how clean the water is. This only applies to the terrapins, the other aquatics are fine as long as they’re not in with a terrapin. The vet suggested an overnight salt bath once a week – just enough to cover the turtle’s back. That seems to have solved the problem.
Thanks Amy – that is great information! — In diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com, “Amy Steffee”
Scott, Shell rot is very contagious so once it gets in your setup, it’s not uncommon for the condition to relapse. The advantages of brackish water is that it speeds up the healing process and helps prevent shell rot, but…it doesn’t eliminate the problem totally. My opinion is if you’re going to bother with adding salt to the system, then why not go all the way? Especially if you’re having problems with shell rot. I would recommend increasing the salinity over a 3 week period or so and yes, ensure that they get access to freshwater on a weekly basis. -Stephen C — In diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com, Scott McDaniel
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