Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i just bought 11 turtles from some guy. i have already lost 2 and i see some with white on their eyes and very soft shells. i am going to change the water and i already bought the eye rinse from petsmart(flukers repta rinse). the guy didn't even overnite the package!! these turtles are barely 4 inches and i am afraid that i may lose them all. also a couple have white on their legs as well. is this contagious and do i need to remove the turtles that seem healthy at the moment. they are in a 125 gallon with only about 5 inches of water. they are eastern and southern paints, penn cooters, a yellow slider and razorback. there are also 2 african sidenecks in the tank. any help would be greatly appreciated!! i guess sometimes you have to spend the extra money to get what you want even with turtles. i have 9 other turtles-- snappers, red ears and softshells, and have had no problems in 2 plus years. they are all pushing 8 inches already.

Sounds like fungus, which is easily cured. Treat their water with a fish remedy called Fugus Cure from Marine Pharmeceuticals (availible in nearly all large pet shops). Keep them out of the water except for a few swims each day and paint the lesions with iodine/povidone (generic for the much more expensive Betadine) SOLUTION while out of the water. If it is fungus, it should clear within a week. Diagnostic: fungus is very superficial and rubs off easily.

thanks