CassieAnne
New Member
Hello all. I am new here but not new to the turtle world. That being said I have learned a lot and now that I have learned more I have been changing the care and enclosure for our Musk Turtle "Max". We got hom as a captive bred hatchling about 10 years ago. I am open to taking him to the exotic Veterinarian but would prefer not to stress him out further if I can help him at home.
*Set up: 55 gallon tank with the water level about 1/3 filled.
-Water filter is the slow flow filter recommended by the vet. 20% Water change weekly. Filter change every other week.
-Water temp is 77*F (was 80*F until today).
- Ambient temp is 68*F - 76*F. Depending on the time of year. We are in MN. There is no direct light from windows - we have tank background on his tank and a thin curtain.
-Reptisun 5.0 UVB (which also emits a small amount of UVA) have had this for about 3 months as the other brand we had was subpar at best.
-No basking bulb. The last one we had exploded last year. Just bought a ZooMed 50watt Tuff Bulb to add.
-Feeding every other day. 8-10 of the Tetra ReptoMin Sticks. Ordered Omega One Adult Turtle Sticks. He refuses all greens.
-He is active and interactive. We do not take him out of his home. He sleeps at night out of the water on the left side (opposite of the bulb end).
- He does come out of the water frequently during the day recently. Not sure if that is due to the time of the year or the water is too warm or something else.
-Concerned about what is on his shell unsure of this is retained shed or rot. (Photos from 5 years ago show a solid black looking shell. At that time he had no IVA/UVB lighting.
*Unsure if I can gently wipe away or if he needs medication/veterinary attention. He is our family pet and we appreciate any advice you can offer.
*Set up: 55 gallon tank with the water level about 1/3 filled.
-Water filter is the slow flow filter recommended by the vet. 20% Water change weekly. Filter change every other week.
-Water temp is 77*F (was 80*F until today).
- Ambient temp is 68*F - 76*F. Depending on the time of year. We are in MN. There is no direct light from windows - we have tank background on his tank and a thin curtain.
-Reptisun 5.0 UVB (which also emits a small amount of UVA) have had this for about 3 months as the other brand we had was subpar at best.
-No basking bulb. The last one we had exploded last year. Just bought a ZooMed 50watt Tuff Bulb to add.
-Feeding every other day. 8-10 of the Tetra ReptoMin Sticks. Ordered Omega One Adult Turtle Sticks. He refuses all greens.
-He is active and interactive. We do not take him out of his home. He sleeps at night out of the water on the left side (opposite of the bulb end).
- He does come out of the water frequently during the day recently. Not sure if that is due to the time of the year or the water is too warm or something else.
-Concerned about what is on his shell unsure of this is retained shed or rot. (Photos from 5 years ago show a solid black looking shell. At that time he had no IVA/UVB lighting.
*Unsure if I can gently wipe away or if he needs medication/veterinary attention. He is our family pet and we appreciate any advice you can offer.