red eared slider, mites, help!?

Question

My Red Eared Slider has mites in his tank. Well he had them in an old tank. I took everything out cleaned it with 1/10 Bleach solution, then sprayed it with Jurassimite from Jurassipet. Then well, I dropped his enclosure and the glass broke (he wasn't in it) so I got him a brand new tank, and brand new substrarte rocks. The only thing from the original infested tank is the bottom filter grate thing (soaked and cleaned with mite solution), his floating platform (same), filter (same), and heater (same clense as well). So, you guessed it, the new tank is showing mites, not nearly as many but I see them floating around. I even rinsed the new rocks off with some of the spray before setting up. Is there anything I can do without having to take everything out again? How do I get rid of these mites? Where do they come from so I won't reintroduce them and how do I prevent them? How harmful are they to Emo? Please help . . .

Answer 1

It would help if you knew for sure what these were. Turtles don't get mites much, but get a lot of worms. Small fruit flies are common in a lot of foods people use, etc.

A few floating dead bugs are not really anything to worry about if the turtle is otherwise healthy. You can try the forums at http://www.turtleforum.com/forum/upload/index.php?showforum=84 to help identify the things and find a care, or you can try a local vet if it bothers you.

Answer 2

Did you clean the area where his tank is set up? I don't know if the mites are after him as much as his food. Do you feed pellets? Is there any dust/pieces from the food around the tank or do you feed him on the basking area?

I'm afraid you're in for another tank cleaning. (Try not to drop the tank this time!). This time, before putting tank or turtle back, do a thorough vaccuuming/cleaning around the area where the tank is kept. Before you put the tank back put some Adams flea and tick powder (its a dog and cat product my herp vet [yes, a vet that specializes in herps] recommends for de-ticking. The active ingredient is from the daisy family. Spread the powder out in an area little larger than the base of the tank to create a "zone" that any mites can't cross.

Answer 3

mites are both external AND internal. Unless you kill both infestations, then you will continue to have mites. Take your turtle to a certified reptile vet...BUT BEWARE! A common drug given to pets for mites is Ivomectrin, or Ivomec for short. Ivomectrin is toxic to turtles and will kill them. If your vet tries to perscribe this drug, get a second opinion becuase he/she doesn't know anything about turtle diagnosis and treatment. Always ask if the vet that is seeing the turtle is CERTIFIED to treat them. Just becuase they will treat them doesn't mean they are qualified.

Good luck!