Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,
I got a 3 inch RES from a pet store a month ago. When I got it, it's shell was the regular color. After one month, it's shell has lost alot of it's color, and has gotten darker.
First let me say that this is my first RES. But, I have kept snappers for going on 3 years now. I let my water set out atleast 24 hours. The RES is healthy, and happy looking. It has a great appitite, and has grown a good bit in a month. I use a filter, and airiater, and change the water regularly. He has, and uses a basking pad. I have 2, 4 foot full specrum florecints,that stay on 12 hours and a 50W spot basking light that stays on 6 hours or so a day. I know he is getting more light than he did at the store. His shell is hard.
The pet store I got it from is a breader. All his stuff looked healthy, but hungry. I know he eats more now. He is constantly molting. It gets a veryed diet, from worms, and dryed shrimp, to pellet food. I have used vitashell lotion on it one time, before I noticed any color loss.
If anyone can shed some light on what is causing this, I would greatly appreciate it.
I can send a pic if that will help.

RES aren't supposed to molt or grow enough in a month for you to beable to tell. My guess is you're seriously over feeding the little guy. He should eat a protein (like reptomin sticks) every 2 or 3 days and then only give him the amount that will "fit inside his head" Aside from that, provide him leafy greens like collard greens, dandelion greens, etc. to munch on every day. This will help with shell deformities.
THe other cause for shedding is too high temps of water. It should be between 70-80.
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~walnut~
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Yea, I have a habit of over feeding. I'll cut back. Thanks.