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hi
isabelle is abut 5 months old, in a 10 gallon tank, water temp 78. ( im getting a bigger tank soon) it seems shes just had a big growth spurt and is having difficulty swimming, like she thinks she is too heavy. shes spending most of her time on the dock and not really eating. when she tries to go for food, she just sort of sinks, then struggles to get back up, and hangs on the dock. has anyone else seen this happen? im sure she'll get stronger soon and be fine-but, any consolidation would be great
thanks
nick

How big is her shell? A clear pic may help to see if she is growing too fast. Have you changed anything in her diet and how much water is in that 10 gallon?

Are there any visible changes or injuries?

What kind of filter do you have in the tank? Does it create a strong current?

A bit growth spurt in overall size shouldn't affect her swimming ability. But if she's being overfed and is getting fat, that might.

Sometimes my water pets go thru phases where they don't want to eat much. They may only eat once every 2nd or 3rd day. My frog does this about once a year (I think it is during mating season since he sings all night long, every night when he doesn't eat much).

Sometimes turtles get lazy & just saunter along under water, not really swimming, just hanging out. This is normal too, as long as the water is kept very clean & 75-80 degrees, they are not sick (a vet can diagnose if you suspect something is wrong), and you give them some attention daily (sometimes just talking to them or sitting next to the tank is all the attention a little turtle needs).

Just make sure you are not feeding him too much. Once/day (in small amounts) is all he needs. If he starts bulging out of his shell (around the arms, legs, & head), you know you are feeding him way too much!

Sorry to go off topic but I have a frog question for Kristin.

I just got two albino African Clawed frogs.
They are very tiny and in a tank smaller then a 10 gal
(they are going to get a 10 gallon in a week or so)

Anyway, I was wondering about them "mating"
I don't know what sex either of them are...but will they lay eggs in the water if it's a girl n a boy? And will the babies survive?

j/c
If you aren't sure that's alright.
Sarah