Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a baby red eared slider about 2 inches. He is set up in a 20 g aquarium with a reptisun 5.0, and a zoo med basking light. I keep the water at about 25 d Celcius, and the air temp is warmer on the floating basking platform. I feed a mixture of Reptomin sticks, mini - krill, babyshrimp and earthworms. He chews up the plants in the aquarium, but doesn't really eat any veggies. His shell has grown considerably in the 2 month that I have had him/her, and it is becoming lumpy and the edges of the shell are turning up. Am I feeding too much, do I not have enough light. Everything else seems fine.

I've been raising res's for about 10 years and must say 'I've never had a baby res die on me nor even get sick' due to the condition you described.

Only worry about soft shell.

Lumps are good, and an upturned periphery. 'It's probably just his scutes growing', so don't try to tamper with it.

It he starts to lose appetite, than worry.

Thanks for the help, there is no problem with his appetite and every thing else looks fine.

Turtles should grow at a slower rate because of their lifespan.
You are feeding him good things but you didn't mention how
much or how many times a day. I would only feed once
a day in moderation. Alternate on different days. Like
greens one day and then Reptomin one day, and so on. They
act like they are starving all the time so I know it is hard
sometimes not to give in.

What you are describing is usually overfeeding. Shell rot
is a whole different animal.

Hope this helps
Linda