Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi there,

It's been a while since I've been in here, and I have 3 questions.

We had a 20gal long, and have upgraded to a much larger tank. Don't ask me how big. I'm assuming 40-55 gallon long. Now, our water level is lower and our basking area is much farther from the heat lamp. We always used a 50-55 watt.

Since changing, we've noticed more algae and whitish-transparent looking spots (very small) on the shell. I'm guessing it's the beginning stage of shell rot. (question at bottom) I'm looking into going to a 125w (if made) or 150w bulb now.

Now, we've tried a 100 watt and it still doesn't seem very warm to me. The thermometer of the water under it says the water temp is roughly 70°. We're replacing our heater and the weather has just dropped dramatically up here, so there isn't one in there presently. I'll be picking it up today. Also, I'm looking into going to a 125w (if made) or 150w bulb now. Seem too hot?

3 questions:

1. What does the first stage of rot look like?

2. What wattage do you suggest when the lamp is approx. 14" from the dock? (love the new Zoo Med floating dock! Our Petsmart got it recently)

3. How do y'all test the temp of your basking area? (I always see you posting temps for water, basking area, and non-basking area)

Thanks!

Christi

1. It does not sound like shell rot to me. If you have
clean water and a dry basking area my guess it is just
the beginning of shedding. If you could post a picture it
would help. If you are concerned you could get a bottle
of Betadine and a soft tooth brush and carefully wash the
turtles shell without getting it around the eyes or mouth.
Make sure you rinse well. I do this once in a while just
to keep things nice and clean.

2. The wattage is hard to say but the easiest thing to
do is to put a thermometer on the basking area and increase
or decrease the wattage as necessary. Any type of thermometer would work except the kind that sticks to the aquarium.
The ideal basking temps would be 85-90 degrees.

Hope this helps
Linda