Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I have a baby turtle whose scutes at the end of his carapace is turning a bit white and spreading. He basks under a 75 watt incadescent light bulb as well as a Reptisun 10.0 full spectrum. I noticed one scute turning whitish a while back but didn't think much of it since he's got a good staple diet (Reptomin and vet-recommended Jumbo-min), clean water, and good lighting.

Can anyone tell the difference between soft shell, fungus, or just mineral deposit buildup? I think the water is hard around my area, but his other tankmates don't seem to be affected. In addition, I tried to scrape off the whiteness off the scutes, but they don't seem to be coming off and therefore I don't think it is fungus. I keep the window open so that natural sunlight can come in, although it gets blocked by mosquito netting.

Thanks.

Johnny

i meant to say "fitered" by mosquito netting...it comes in but not directly.

It may just be mineral deposits but you do need to vary his diet abit more than reptomin. Try some greens on him (dandelion, chicory, escarole, turnip greens or some water plants) Also bits of shrimp, earthworms, crickets, superworms).

Reptomin is good but not enough for him. You have to vary his diet a bit more.

Steve