Urgent Care :: HELP!

[Kernow]

Hey everyone.
Firstly I will fill you in on the "story" so you can get a picture of what is going on.
I am in the military and am currently posted overseas. My unit is small and to my surprise, has a pet turtle: Freddie. (Red Eared Slider)
I was given a poor handover from the previous guy on how to take care of Freddie properly (which is in my nature to do so) so this is me reaching out to you guys, to help give this guy a fighting chance!

He should not be here. The guess is he has been here for around 10-15 years. I have no idea who's clever idea it was to bring him here as a "unit pet" because this is not the environment he needs to be in. He needs to be with someone who wants a pet turtle and knows how to look after him. Please don't reply with "then find an animal shelter" - I am in a difficult country, along with COVID-19 restrictions. I will explore this option, when I can.

So... down to the details. I want to give Freddie an awesome time while I am here. I want to set his tank up so he is happy, has everything he needs and I will make sure the handover from me to my replacement is strong! I have Googled FEROCIOUSLY on how to take care of turtles so feel like I am in a decent situation to have a well informed conversation with you guys.

Below are some details I pulled from the pinned message in this thread:
How big is your turtle? 6-7 inches (shell size)
How long have you had it? You know this answer.
What is the water temperature? He has a poor water heater but it seems to work slightly, that indicates 24C-26C (75F-78F)
Did you use a thermometer? No, his heater seems to have a built in one? I just hope its sufficient.
Are you using a water heater? You know the answer to this.
How much water is in there? I haven't measured but at a guess... 120L (30 Gallon)
Are you using a water conditioner? No.
Are you using any filtration? No, the filter is broke. (Explained below)
What is the basking temperature? The bulb is broke. (Explained below)
Is there a basking light? No.
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? I think so.
What kind is it or what is it made out of? Rocks and a plastic folder binder.
Is there a UVB light? No.
What have you been trying to feed it? He has 2 options, turtle sticks or there like some sort of red shrimp things?
When was the last time your turtle ate? Today.
How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 400L (100 Gallon)
Is the tank near a window? Yes.
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? No.
Have you read the Basic Care section? Yes.
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? No.
Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? His shell is flaking which I know is not a good sign.


Okay, hopefully you're still with me. I am going to list a few of my worries/questions/situations so you know where I am at, please see below.

- His tank is big, I think? However its more in the height. H- 40in L- 30in W-20in (He has about 30% water in there right now which is the length of him with his head and back legs included)
- He has no UVB bulb, COVID-19 and my situation means I cant get one for another 6ish days. I WILL GET ONE!
- His filter is broke, same situation as the UVB bulb. I WILL GET ONE!
- His basking area I feel is poorly made? Its a plastic file with a bunch of rocks on top so he can climb on top. He doesn't go up there much(no UVB light) but can get there and kind of.. falls down into the water when he wants?
- His shell is flaking. I know this is not good. Is this due to no UVB bulb?
- I read that turtles do not like being handled or let out of their tank? Its hard for me to tell but he goes crazy when I go to the tank, and he scratches at the glass as if he wants to get out. I let him out once a day for about 1 hour and he walks around and seems to like it, he comes up to me and is super curious and climbs on my feet etc. Is this him telling me he wants to go back in the tank?


I pray you're still with me, I know this is long however I have no experience here. Please help me, help Freddie. He deserves better and I will do everything to make that work if I have to.

I will try attach some pictures for you guys.

Lastly, thank you to everyone who is "hopefully" about to help me out.

[steve]

Hi Kernow, and hi Freddie!

I would sort out a basking area for him. Drying off is essential to shell health. They can spend hours a day basking (thermoregulate, aid in digestion, absorbs UVB, dries the shell) so I would sort out what you can do there. I made one out of PVC pipe and tiles, and still use it today. My other tank has a simple wedge of cork bark and that lasts around 6-7 years in my tank. I would not build one up with rocks as they trap a lot of waste and take up a lot of space.

You say you take him out... does that mean out doors? If he gets regular unfiltered sun light, you don't need a UVB bulb. Also, check the ingredients of his food... vitamin D3 is helpful in the absence of UVB. You still need a heat source above the basking area... it will entice Freddie to go up there.

Shedding thin, translucent scutes is normal and healthy. His shell looks like it recently shed, but also he might have issues with fungus. I would get a soft toothbrush and gently scrub his shell to clean and examine it. He will not like being held, so be careful that the he will squirm (and be slippery), scratch and bite. He might also expose himself while under stress. Anyway, check for pits, soft areas and around the seams. Let him dry off for a bit and give it another close look.

When he's in the tank and sees you, he's probably begging for food. Outside of the tank they can be very curious and wander around... their personalities vary, but most are pretty sociable.

[Kernow]

Hi Steve,

As mentioned in my post, I understand a basking area is needed and will get one ASAP! Can you confirm. Do I need 2 light bulbs? One for heat and one for UVB? (He doesn't live or go outdoors).
As for the rock set up, I understand it isn't great but don't have much things to work with right now because of my situation. Can you maybe throw some DYI ideas at me?

When i said 'take him out', I did NOT mean outdoors. I just meant out of the tank for a roam around our office.

As for his food and the shredding of his skin/shell, I will attach some pictures below. Can you give me your thoughts?


https://imgur.com/PSgctBW
https://imgur.com/dsfPRmh
https://imgur.com/yd7FW2D
https://imgur.com/KPWSWW3
https://imgur.com/Sgz8vio
https://imgur.com/SfOddfG
https://imgur.com/6utOhfw
https://imgur.com/xxzhnWL
https://imgur.com/k7NFzWj

[Kernow]

Also,

I have been given authority to purchase some new items for the tank. I am unsure of my budget limit yet however, I have linked in some items that I feel may be okay? Can you guys give your thoughts?

Before you do, I find it difficult regarding heat lamp holder and the basking area... The tank is 40in tall, so I just hope these items will fit as I cant find any better solution?

https://www.amazon.com/Marineland-Polis ... NrPXRydWU=

https://www.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-SolarG ... 089&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/REPTIZOO-Reptile ... 10&sr=8-12

https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Suppo ... s9dHJ1ZQ==

https://www.amazon.com/LaBrinx-Designs- ... 348&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Pawfly-Telescopi ... 210&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A0 ... FU6G&psc=1

[steve]

Technically, yes you need two bulbs. There are bulbs that provide heat and UVB, but they are more expensive and not as durable if you need to ship it where you are. Those are called self-ballasted mercury vapor bulbs (MVB)... this is an example of one - http://www.reptileuv.com/shop/index.php ... 791e35ed49

Here's a pic of my PVC/tile suggestion -

The gammarus / shrimp should be used as a rare treat. The shell is a bit rough but seems OK, however that red spot is a bit concerning. I would clean it out with diluted Betadine and dry dock him for most of the day. Hopefully there is no infection and some dry air will help it heal.

The MarineLand filter won't do much for you. I'd hold off until you know your budget for a filter. The SolarGlo is a MVB like I mentioned. Likely not as good but would still be a huge improvement. You will want a bigger dome, the ones bought from hardware stores should be usable too but the base should be ceramic and can withstand the wattage. Lamp stands are fine, something could always be rigged up. If the tank is near a wall, planter hooks are fine to use. The basking area you lined is OK, but some turtles don't like that style. For nets, I keep around 8-10 cheap ones and just wash them at the same time. Digital probe thermometers like the one you linked are very unreliable. A simple sticker LCD is fine, and I also use a temp gun to double check temps.

[Kernow]

Steve,

Again thanks for your reply.

- I like your PVC set up but as mentioned above, I cant visit any shops such as hardware stores due to the situation.
- The red spot was just a bloodworm caught in his shell, I gave him a little scrub and its all gone!
- The filter was just one I found on Amazon, its for a 100 gallon tank.
- That lamp dome is ceramic, again just one I found online.
- As for my budget, its around £200. Thats to buy everything I need which is listed below:

1. Filter
2. MVB Bulb
3. Lamp
4. Lamp holder
5. Basking area
6. Net
7. Thermometer


I just want to repeat, my situation is difficult. I can only head to local shops once every 2 weeks, and even then I am restricted to which ones. The country I am currently in is Oman.
An option to buy everything online was made as this may be easier to get everything at once.

Because my tank is 40in tall, so a hanging basking area is best as most in tank ones are below the water line. Unless the sucker cup ones are okay? I can put that where I need it then.

I have to take the height into account with my lamp stand too!

[steve]

That filter is a polishing filter made to help remove cloudiness in water. It won't do much for solid waste particles in the water, not hold media for any beneficial bacteria growth. We also suggest to get filters rated 3x for aquariums as turtles produce much more waste. A real canister filter has several stages and sits outside the tank... something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Canister- ... B00N45GLZQ I know it's not in your budget but this is sort of what you should look for. There are more affordable ones, but those are sort of knockoff designs under generic brands. I can't recommend a specific one, I guess the reviews can guide you.

A serviceable option is a hang-on style filter. These are good but limited but they need to be in a tank with a lot of water (filled near the top) as they cannot prime themselves like a canister. https://www.amazon.com/AquaClear-110-Aq ... B000260FV6

For a dome, a 8.5" one should do it... like this https://www.amazon.com/Flukers-27003-Do ... B001OS0SB8

For the basking area.. it's worth a shot but turtles can be picky. I'm not sure about the stand you linked, but those designs are usually fine. An old school thermometer works fine for turtles: https://www.amazon.com/LCR-Hallcrest-Ve ... B00ZZR1OW6