General Care Discussion :: Ok, so I think Niko might actually have an eye infection...

[MoreBloodWine]

Ok, so Iinitially thought that Niko keeping his eyes closed underwater was just an irritation with high nitrates after the tank change. Well that problem got corrected and Niko is still doin the eye thing. It seems that his left eye is a bit "funny" while he seems to be favoring the right eye some. Anyway, I dont really have the money right now for a vet trip (contacting one on 7/6/2009 for prices). So I was wondering is there anythign I can do in the interim to help so it doesnt get any worse assuming there even is a problem which I now believe there may be one.

Oh, and as far as temps go... waters about 79 and basking is like 92.

I'm also going to shut off his UVB for a day or to to see if that might also be the problem. I had to go without it for a while and started using it again with the new tank and im thinking that if the lights an issue that it may be to bright.

For curiosity sake... say it is the light at fault in whole or part. Nikos obviously needs the UVB so if the light is to bright for his eyes what can I do to help even though the obvious may to be just to raise it.

[untsmurf]

If the light is too bright, you can take him outside until you get a replacement. You could try and fashion something to dim the light, but I think that might lessen the effectiveness. Moving the light back or getting one with lower wattage might help. What kind of bulb are you using and what kind of fixture is it in?

[MoreBloodWine]

Thx for the reply Christy, the UVB light is in a regular clamp lamp fixture. As for what kind it is I honestly dont recall. But again, assuming the light is the cause of the eye weirdness I would hope that raising it would solved the problem. Right now I got it off though and will leave it like that for... oh lets say a week.

As for "sun time" how long and how many times a day should I handle that and what should I put Niko in and should I add any water even if it was only like a quarter inch.

[untsmurf]

Here's an excerpt from the main site:
"There is no substitute for direct, unfiltered sunlight. Taking your turtle to enjoy some sunlight on a warm, sunny day is highly favorable. With about 5 hours of sunlight over the course of a week, it may not be necessary to have a dedicated UVB bulb. However, having proper lighting and basking conditions inside is still recommended. At anytime during the day, your turtle may want to dry off and bask and should not be prevented from doing so.

Temporary outdoor enclosures and pools can be used to allow your turtle to get some beneficial sunlight. Be advised of the hazards of keeping turtles outside unattended and make sure shade is available to avoid hyperthermia. Putting a tank in direct sunlight will also cause a fast and deadly spike in temperature as well as block the intended UVB rays."

Five hours a week is roughly 40 minutes a day. If you want to supply water, i think a good way to do that would be to get a little kiddie pool (I see them for about $8 at pet stores) and put a basking area in the center (large rock or upside down bowl etc) then add an inch or two of water. Then you can sit and read while your turt basks. I honestly don't think your turt will be harmed if you can only make it out a few days as opposed to everyday. Just make sure he's still basking in his tank.

You don't have to get the whole setup, when I take Mikey out, I just let him walk around on the grass for a few minutes.

[MoreBloodWine]

Sorry I havent touched this in a while but it turns out it was Nikos UVB bulb because since it's been off he/she has been doing great. I still need to figure out what to do for a new placement of it.

[papoopeepoo]

Hanging your light fixture vertically over the basking area from a wall hook or something may help you keep the direct light from hitting the turtle's eyes, and hold the bulb farther away from the turtle.