What White Substance Do Turtles Release In Water?

If you've noticed a white substance in your turtle tank, it's likely to be calcium carbonate deposits caused by hard water. This is a common issue for turtle owners, and it can manifest as cloudy water, white particles floating in the water, or a white film on the water's surface. While it's not usually harmful to your pet, it can be unsightly and may indicate that your turtle isn't getting enough UV light or has an inadequate basking area.

Calcium deposits

To prevent and remove calcium deposits, it is recommended to use distilled or conditioned water. Distilled water has gone through a purification process to remove impurities, including minerals, and is readily available for purchase. Alternatively, water conditioners or softeners can be used to treat hard water, reducing the levels of calcium and magnesium. These products are inexpensive and can be found online or at pet stores.

In addition to using the right type of water, regular tank maintenance is crucial. A good filtration system will help remove particles that contribute to the formation of calcium deposits. Cleaning the tank and its contents regularly will also prevent the buildup of debris, which can lead to unsightly residue.

If calcium deposits do form, they can be removed with a soft brush or a vinegar solution. A mixture of equal parts water and vinegar can be applied to the affected areas and wiped away after a few minutes. For more stubborn deposits, a plastic putty knife or another safe scraper can be used, but care must be taken to avoid damaging the tank glass or the turtle's shell.

While calcium deposits themselves are not harmful, they can be an indication of hard water, which may have other implications for the turtle's health. Hard water can affect the turtle's shell, potentially leading to shell rot if not properly managed. Therefore, it is important for turtle owners to be mindful of water quality and maintain a clean and healthy environment for their pets.

Biofilm

However, biofilm can also accommodate bad bacteria, so it is important to keep an eye on any unhealthy build-ups and remove them as soon as possible. This can be done by scrubbing it away with a soft brush or using a stronger cleaning solution if necessary. In addition to manual removal, biofilm can be consumed by shrimp, snails, or even the turtle itself.

Turtle fungus

If you notice turtle fungus in your tank, the best course of action is to clean the tank and remove any infected areas of the shell. You may also treat the infection with antibiotics, but it is important to consult your veterinarian first.

To prevent turtle fungus, it is crucial to maintain proper tank hygiene. Regularly clean the tank and remove any food waste or debris that could serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. Ensure that the water temperature is adjusted to make the environment less accommodating for the growth of mould and fungus. Additionally, provide a basking area for your turtle to allow it to dry off completely after soaking in the water.

It is worth noting that the white substance in your turtle tank may not always be turtle fungus. It could also be calcium deposits, biofilm, mould, algae, turtle waste, or pond scum. Therefore, it is important to carefully observe the appearance and behaviour of the substance to make an accurate identification.

Turtle waste

To maintain a healthy environment for your turtle, it is necessary to clean the tank regularly and remove any waste. This involves doing partial water changes, removing solid waste with a net or turtle waste removal tool, vacuuming the gravel to get rid of liquid waste, and cleaning all surfaces of the tank with a turtle-safe cleaner. It is also important to have a good filtration system in place to help remove particles and maintain water quality.

In addition to waste management, there are other aspects of turtle care that you should be aware of. For example, turtles require adequate nutrition, and improper diet can lead to health issues such as cystic calculi (bladder stones) and metabolic bone disease, affecting the growth and appearance of their shells. It is also crucial to provide your turtle with sufficient ultraviolet light, as a lack of UV-B light can cause discolouration and fading of their shells.

Another common issue with turtles is the presence of white substances in the tank or on the turtle's shell. This can be caused by hard water, which leaves chalky calcium and magnesium deposits on the shell and surfaces of the tank. To address this, use distilled or conditioned water and clean the shell gently with a soft brush and a mixture of water and vinegar or lemon juice. Other possible causes of white substances include biofilm, bacteria, fungus, white algae, and mould, each requiring specific remediation methods.

Overall, proper turtle care involves a combination of waste management, nutrition, UV light exposure, and maintenance of water and tank conditions. By providing your turtle with a clean and healthy environment, you can help ensure its well-being and longevity.

Shell rot

Causes of Shell Rot

Damage to a turtle's shell can also increase the risk of shell rot. A shell can become damaged or weakened by a variety of factors, including a dry environment, which can cause dehydration and shell cracking. Incorrect humidity levels can also cause issues, as a damp and warm environment is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, while a dry environment can be dangerously dehydrating.

Symptoms of Shell Rot

• Unpleasant discharge or a smell from the shell
• Visible fluid underneath the scutes of the shell
• The scutes appear to be flaking or lifting away from each other
• Scutes falling off, leaving necrotic bony tissue exposed underneath
• Soft areas of the shell
• Pitting or dimpling in any area of the shell
• Discolouration - look for whitish patches or a change in colour

Treatment of Shell Rot

Simple cases of shell rot caught early can be treated by vigorously and frequently cleaning the shell with a chlorhexidine solution and a soft-bristle brush. The shell should then be rinsed and allowed to dry. This process may need to be repeated twice a day for several weeks.

For more severe cases, dead areas of the shell may need to be removed by gently scraping them with a scalpel blade. The shell can then be soaked in a dilute betadine solution for ten minutes, scrubbed with a brush, and rinsed with fresh water.

Turtles with shell rot should be kept out of water for most of the day, except for one hour a day to eat and toilet. They should be dry-docked in a soft towel with a small, shallow water bowl. It is also important to ensure the turtle gets UV light—at least 20 minutes a day in the sun or under a UV lamp.

Antibiotics may be necessary for severe cases of shell rot, or if the shell has been fractured. Topical antibiotics such as silver sulfazadine cream applied daily can be enough for many cases.

Prevention of Shell Rot

To prevent shell rot, it is important to keep the turtle tank clean. This includes daily spot cleaning of faeces, cleaning and refilling water dishes daily, providing fresh water, and replacing the substrate once a month. Surfaces should be disinfected once a month.

It is also important to provide a suitable environment for the turtle, with appropriate levels of humidity and temperature, and an appropriate substrate.

Frequently asked questions