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Sam is my 2" RES.......My questions are:

I have been taking her out of her tank each day to feed.....She has been eating 3-4 Reptomin "sticks", and every other day or so she gets a piece of apple, or carrot, or turtle treat......Am I overfeeding? Or underfeeding? Or does that sound about right?

Also, I have noticed that she seems to be developing some type of "hairy growth around her neck and back legs......It's not on the shell......My best guess is that it's maybe algae? It is not thick, or long.....She has proper conditions and a clean tank, and she basks several hours a day. Otherwise she seems to be perfectly happy and healthy.

Thanks for your help.

I don't know how big the sticks are because I use a different food. However, the basic advice is the amount that would fit in the head if it were hollow. That doesn't include the neck area. Veggies should be offered daily and with variety. Fruits are offered less often for most because they are high in sugar. Check the feeding sticky and there is a list. Variety is the key though because it spreads the different nutrients that are received.

As for the growth. Is it possible that she is shedding? Is it kind of wispy looking? Is there a way you can post pics of it?

Also, what color is it? Is it visible out of water? It could be shedding, algae or fungus.

Yes, I would say it is wispy looking.....As for color, it is a light color, like a light beige/grey........Yes, I can see it out of the water.....That is where it is most notable.......Thanks

Sounds like shedding, though they are usually hard to see because they are translucent and cling back to the skin once they are out of the water. Is there anyway you can get a pic?

Steve, I really think you are right......It pretty much is the color of dead skin, and I only see it when he extends his arms out......Mostly in the back......All I have to take a pic is a camera phone, and I don't think that will be detailed enough to show anything.......I'll monitor it, and let you know.......Is there anything else I might look for.....i.e. pieces of skin floating around in the water?......Thanks so much for all the info

If he is shedding a lot, then you will see some floating in the water and some stuck on the glass.

Ok......Thanks again Steve, GREAT SITE !!