It's actually not a heater I'm after, because I have one. I'm looking for something that can maybe be adjusted so it'll also *cool* the water if needed. For instance if it's hot here, the water temperature could get too high, and I'd like to find something that can lower as well as raise the temperature. Something like an aquatic thermostat (is that the right word?).
As for Frank, the turtle in question... he's not listing anymore at all, no strange or excessive air bubbles, still no mucus, and he's still running around a lot on land. Still eating fine, as well. He's just acting a bit odd. Another thing is that his stool is darker than usual, as it's usually whitish in color. Is that normal?
The stress of being separated from Roderick (the other RES) might even be causing that, but I don't want them in the same tank until this gets sorted. So he's acting better, but he's making a trip to the vets regardless. So no one worry, that's being taken care of.
Oh!
I also called a local woman who's well-known for taking care of turtles, especially box turtles. The local population is dropping, apparently, so she's raising a huge amount (has been for like 30 years!). She "rents" some out to people for two-year intervals to care for and then return, as well. I called her when I first got my two RES (she had two for 25 years) to get some tips and she was helpful, but when I called her last night and described the behavior, she said she was perplexed and hadn't seen anything like that before. She mentioned it could be some sort of low-level infection, but didn't think it was necessarily RI. She knows one of the vets, the doc who takes care of exotic pets and whatever other little quirky thing people bring in, and said he's a great guy and would help a lot.
