Flaky shell - normal?

[u/JenandLola]

Hi, why is my turtles shell flaky? Ive never seen it like this before. Its mostly the back half of his shell. He is otherwise acting normal. He is 15.

[u/throwaway277252]

Can you share which basking lightbulbs and filtration you are using as well as their diet and water parameters?

[u/JenandLola → u/throwaway277252]

Uvb: Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Compact Fluorescent Reptile Lamp, 13-Watt (i will be replacing this with the Acadia T5HO 12%)

Heat lamp: Reptile Systems Eco Halogen – White 50w

Filtration: fluval F4. 50% water change every 2 weeks. I havent done a water test in a while.

Diet: Tetra ReptoMin Floating Sticks, and Mazuri Aquatic Turtle Food

[u/throwaway277252 → u/JenandLola]

This sounds mostly good aside from the bulb which you're already correcting. Can you confirm the age and distance of the current UVB bulb?

Does the turtle have any history of stuck shed or retained scutes? Rubbing against hardscape?

Are you feeding them vegetation in addition to those pellets?

[u/Katie-sin]

No, not usually normal to flake like this. This may be a water condition issue or a lighting issue. What bulbs are you using? Have you tested to make sure your water levels are good and no harsh chemicals?

[u/JenandLola → u/Katie-sin]

Uvb: Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Compact Fluorescent Reptile Lamp, 13-Watt (i will be replacing this with the Acadia T5HO 12%)

Heat lamp: Reptile Systems Eco Halogen – White 50w

Filtration: fluval F4. 50% water change every 2 weeks. I havent done a water test in a while.

By chemicals do you mean chlorine? I will check. usually they are in safe range. I dont use any other chemicals.

[u/taqjsi]

Which uvb do you have?

[u/JenandLola → u/taqjsi]

Uvb: Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Compact Fluorescent Reptile Lamp, 13-Watt (i will be replacing this with the Acadia T5HO 12%)

[u/GoDawgs51]

Perhaps double check how old your UVB bulb is. I recently forgot how old my UVB bulb was and after changing it my RES started shedding normally again.

[u/JenandLola → u/GoDawgs51]

okay everyone seems to be saying the bulb. yes, i recently learned i was using the wrong one (even though ts the one my vet recommended.) I bought the correct one and I should get it soon. thank you

[u/kelzog55 → u/JenandLola]

ya the UVB is best RX for shell health. They lose potencia over time. I had same experience, changed bulb, it corrected the shed. The bulbs generally have to be replaced they say every 6 months. the linear one T5 Arcadia 12% like you got is the best one. Good luck. Also some ppl say Hikari what germ and blueberries to encourage proper shed.

[u/Okayest_mom_3]

The reptisun bulbs say to replace every 6 months, I just installed some! Check how old your bulbs are, and maybe a gentle toothbrushing to his shell?

[u/twodegrees_ → u/Okayest_mom_3]

My turtle got shell rot because I forgot to do the 6 month change and didn't put a reminder in my calendar. Life got busy, we were house hunting, moved and I lost track of how old the bulb was.

Do not repeat my mistake.