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Hello guys,

I recently facing with two different shell problem on my turtles.

1. When they bask, I see white stuff ( looks like powder) on their shell. But once the get into water it change it back to normal. It might have to do with water quality what should i do?

2. 2 of my turtles just grown up to 2 inch in shell and back side of the shell curve up a bit. Is that normal at all? What should i do? I will upload photo if needed.

Thanks

To me it sounds like: (but pictures can help confirm)

1. Maybe beginning a shed... if true than its nothing to worry about...

2. And what back side? Over tail or legs

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In the photo look at the way shell curve near the end ( near tail). Instead of curving downward, its curving upward.

a picture of it dry would be better, the white stuff may be fungus or calcium deposits, and about the shell curvature i have no idea, the turtles are to small to say if it's normal or not, but i wouldn't worry.

The curvature looks alright - if it gets worse you may have a diet issue. It just looks like it could be the result of poor care prior to you (either incubation or tank) but not to much to worry about.

How can i improve the way I am taking care of them?

I have 55 g tank and has fx5 filter running. i feed them mix type of pellets everyday. I gave them basking area with basking light. The main issue that i m facing right now is my water quality. I don't know what i m doing it wrong. I do 10 % water change every week but after a few days of changing water, there are some oily looking stuff on the surface of water. Do you guys have any idea what those might be?

Thanks for the help guys, I am trying my best to give them better home.

Oily stuff on the water surface is normal if you don't have enough surface movement. You may want to aim the output of your filter towards the water surface or use an air wand or something similar to break the water surface.

The oil may come from food or turtle waste.

I've been having your first problem exactly. When he's basking, the scutes start to really peel (they're paper thin and clear so I'm not worried) and a white powdery substance seems to form where it recently seperated. The minute he goes back in water, however, the white stuff seems to vanish.

@Motorwaffle - It's simply mineral deposits, usually salt from water. If you feel it is excessive, you might have a hard water problem.

If the white powdery substance disappear in water, it's most likely calcium deposit. Nothing to worry too much about. If the white persists, watch it closely. If it spreads over time, it could be fungus. If it's silvery underwater, it's a sign of shedding in progress.