General Care Discussion :: Turtle Floating

[BiGTyMePCS]

Hey, this is pretty strange but a few days ago i took my 2 RES out of the tank to do a little cleaning. When i put them back in the one was fine but my gurl seems to just float around. It almost seems as if there is an air-bubble caught in her shell or something. I have taken her out and put her back in a few times as well as pushed her under to see if she goes but nope she just floats slowly back up to the top and swims around. She also doesn't seem to be basking much. ANY IDEAS?

I have searched the forum but haven't found anything on this sorry if it is a repost.

Also aside from that. The turtles' shells are getting a slight sandy look to them. I think it may be due to hard water but not quite sure... Any ideas on this would be greatly appreciated as well.

THANKS IN ADVANCE.

[TheComputerGremlin]

I know when turtles have shell surgery, they often have a bubble trapped within their shell that works itself out over a couple weeks. I doubt it's recommended to keep taking her out of the water until the bubble is reabsorbed. I think you have to provide some shallow resting ground for her, it would make sense at least. I hope someone else comes along and answers your question!

[megcornell]

Usually floating is due to trapped air.
What are you temps? Uneven floating can be a sign of a respiratory infection.
Do you have any aquarium gravel in the tank?
Sometimes I think it can be a symptom of impaction or simply intestinal gas that just has to pass.

[SpotsMama]

On the shell, a change in appearance could be caused by any number of things, some of which are fine and normal and some of which are problems. Can you post a picture of the turtle's shell when it's dry? That would help us a lot.

[mikee]

Without all the details, I am inclined to go with RI and would suggest that you stick to the basics with regard to temps, lighting with uvb and good filtration.

[BiGTyMePCS]

Well sorry unable to post a pic...

Its not RI cuz its not like lopsided and she doesnt show any other symptoms because my other turtle had it a while ago so i kno wut that is like.

As for the shell i do apologize i dnt have a good camera at the moment to take decent pictures... but it kind of looks like sandy small brown spots... its not spots that look like any type of fungus or anything its just ummm i dunno like sandy lol...

as far as the temp goes its about 78-80 or so and basking is a bit warmer... i mean it really does seem like trapped air but it was just weird how it happened when i put her back in a few days ago and hasnt subsided yet.

[SpotsMama]

On the floating, a distinct possibility is a gastrointestinal problem. Usually in that case the turtle's rear end floats higher. If she's still not swimming normally after a day or two, I'd take her to see a vet. She may be impacted or constipated and need some help. Is she eating normally?

On the shell, does the surface feel rough to the touch?

How much are the turtles basking - hardly ever, about an hour a day, several hours a day? Something else?