General Care Discussion :: Turtle Floating Strange

[BigTurtLilTurt]

I have two RES at about the age of 1 year. One of them has grown probably to twice the size of when I purchased them while the other seems to have not grown at all and his left side appears to float higher than his right. The smaller odd floating turtle (Tupac) also has a consistent yawn but no mucus occurs nor is their a recurrent sneeze. Is there any reason why Tupac would have such an odd floating style? Thank you ahead for any help!

[richieboy]

You should read up on the general health section of the site. Namely respiratory infections. Watch for the symptoms. Also make sure both are getting fed when feeding. What's your setup like?

[Love of Animals]

Yawning consistently and floating unevenly are both symptoms of RI. Your turtle needs to go to the vet asap for antibiotics. The floating unevenly means fluid in the lungs. Your turtle was probably sick for a while. They are good at hiding illness so please take him in ASAP. Dry dock him and keep him warm and stress free in the mean time. RI is contagious so keep him separate from your other turtle and watch the other turtle for symptoms.

[happycamper]

I would suspect that the poor little guy needs to see a vet

20 gallons is pretty small for 2 turtles, could you give us more specifics on the setup? Like water and basking temps? Do they have an easily accessible basking area, and proper lighting?

[BigTurtLilTurt]

My phones not the best at pictures but that is my set up. 20 Gallon tank usually ranging water temp of 80 during day and 72-75 night with water levels at about 4 inches which seems to be an appropriate amount of water for my healthy turtle's water standing. I researched more on respiratory infections and that seems to be what the cause is. Unfortunately I live in an area where turtle raising is not supported. From what I have found, Baytril 2.5% Oral Solution (Enrofloxacin) appears to be what I would need but is only available by prescription. Does anyone know if an exotic vet would still examine my turtles even though the law doesn't approve of my love for them? And other than dryness and water temperature raising, is there anything else I can do to help my turtle reach recovery.

[BigTurtLilTurt]

And thanks again for everyone's input. I'm still kind of knew to turtle care so all this information has been helpful.

[happycamper]

I suppose you could call the vet and tell them the situation, no harm in asking... and they won't know who you are

Did you separate the turtles yet?

I would keep the water temp at a steady 78 degrees, and check to make sure the basking temp is 90-95 degrees. You could raise the water level, sliders are great swimmers, and more room means your water wont get mucked up as quickly. Make sure the basking area is not drafty or anything...

As far as the meds, you are going to have to wait for an expert

[happycamper]

Also... is that gravel in the tank? Best be getting that outta there ASAP if it is

[mikee]

I also think from you discription of the symptom your turtle has RI and needs some attention. The vet would be best but I would suggest a larger tank with a good filter pump. Keeping the water temp elevated at about 80 degrees constant would be good and the basking temp at about 10 to 12 degrees higher. If he is eating that is great. Good Luck!

[BigTurtLilTurt]

He's eating fine now, however, a while back he was being quite picky about what he would eat. Unfortunately my living space wont support a larger tank so I'm stuck with the 20 gal but I'll definitely be adding more water. And as for the gravel, is it a bad idea to use standard aquarium gravel? If so what is your ideal alternative for the bedding of the tank.

[happycamper]

Sand is the best substrate is you ask me, easy to maintain and looks really nice.

Here's a link to a thread about gravel

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=12532

If you build a box that sits on top of your tank it will allow you to fill it all the way up, that's what my setup is like This link will take you to a thread that shows what mine looks like.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=29098&hilit=+box

[BigTurtLilTurt]

Well heres and update on my turtle tank

It appears that both my RES are enjoying this new space and sand. Even Tupac (Possible RI) floats back to the surface slowly after swimming to the bottom. I was wondering if an oily top layer was a normal occurrence? Also what cold i do about it?
And thanks for the sand suggestion I really enjoy the look, just need to add some drift wood and drift wood attaching plants and Ill be set!

[happycamper]

It looks great!I love sand too

A little surface agitation could help with the top of the water getting icky. Do you have a filter? Airstones can help, or adjust filter flow so it breaks the surface.

[BigTurtLilTurt]

What type of air pump would you recommend for my setup (Quietness is a plus but not too big of a deal)? Biggie loves to eat and spit bubbles, he'll probably enjoy it.

[happycamper]

Honestly, I have a hard time finding air pumps that work well for me. Seems like the only one I have that works well is way too loud... maybe someone else will have some input. I just put my filter output so it breaks the water surface barely. That works for me. Maybe someone else will know of a good brand, or just look at some reviews online.