Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have an 8" Alligator Snapper that I've had since it was a hatchling. Over the past month or so, he's developed a condition that is causing the skin to turn greyish/white in color. It appears to be some sort of infection. He's eating just fine. I have him in a 30 gallon tank

I would really appreciate any help as to what the condition is and more importantly, how to cure it.

Thanks in advance for your help.

JKoontz

I hit the "post" tab too quickly!

Anyway...I have him in a 30 gallon tank (too small I know but it's only temporary) along with a Rena Filstar cannister filter.

Thanks again everyone.

JKoontz

You might try some brine treatments soaking him in a moderate salt solution for about 1/2 hour once a day. If he has raw open wounds start of with very weak salt solution like about a tablespoon per gal of water. These treatments should be done in a seperate container, not in his tank. The fact that he is still eating is a good sign. If you feel his condition is severe, consult a veterinarian. Skin problems in captive turtles are usually the result of poor water quality and or diet. You said you have a cannister filter but is it doing the job? Turtles are extremely hardy and given proper conditions and food they generally have very few health problems.

To add to that, we have hard water in the place that I live. Do you think that could have an effect also? Thanks in advance...

I have heard of soft water causing skin problems in humans because the surfactants in soaps will bind to the skin and cause rashes but I have never heard of hard water causing any skin problems. I know it plays hell on pipes and plumbing though. When I was a kid we use to catch turtles in a flooded limestone quarry. That would have been very hard water. I don't recall them having skin problems. Water that's hard because of high Ca (as opposed to Mg) might actually be a good thing. Some people add plaster of paris and cuttle bone to the tank as a source of Ca for shell development.

Thanks your help! I will start giving him a 1/2 hour soaking as recommended. Thanks again for responding!

JKoontz