Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
My turtle (RES) seems to be shedding a lot. I clean his tank twice a month, and feed him mostly a wide variety of veggies. (some pellets too) Cuttle bone and everything. I think it may be the chlorine in the water. I tried putting "Zoo Med's Reptisafe" in the water the last time I cleaned it, then thought maybe I should ask for some suggestions before I keep doing that. Does anyone know if this Reptisafe is safe for turtles? Is it effective? Are there any other kind of formulas that remove chlorine that are safe for turtles? And if so, do you know where I can purchase it? LLLreptile.com is where I got the Reptisafe, but they only sell 8.75 ounces for $7.60 each. i need a lot more than 8.75 ounces.
Anyway, i am assuming it's the chlorine in the water that is making his shell kind if weird and his skin to keep shedding. But it seriously has to stop. I feel bad for the guy. I have had him for 9 years, and would like to keep him around a little longer, if possible. If not the chlorine, does anyone know why his skin keeps shedding, like non-stop.? Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much. Jaime

First off, let me say that I am no expert. I just started keeping turtles. I have been reading alot and looking at many sites about turtles though. Is it possible that your water temperatures are kept too high. If I remember right, very warm temps. will make turtles shed more often since their systems are running faster due to the higher body temps they get from higher water temps.

As for the chlorine, I use Aqarium Pharmaceuticals Tap Water Conditioner. It contains no stress coats or slime coats for fish which I read is not good for turtles. I bought it at Petsmart.

Please listen to others' opinions as I have just started turtle keeping. But anyway, for what it's worth, thats my input! Good luck!
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Thank you so much for your input. I think I will try to lower his temperature and maybe get that stuff you got. Thanks again!

Chlorine burns off under heat lights in just a few hours, so it would only affect your turtle right when you add the new water. It usually only bothers their eyes. Shedding is usually caused by overfeeding or excessivly high temps.
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Thanks so much! I'll try lowering the temp.