Slider turtle fungus?

Question

I have two small slider turtles (a 3-inch yellow-belly and a 2-inch red-ear) in a 46-gallon tank with mixed cichlid fish. The yellow-belly has some white fungus on his head, which I just noticed a few hours ago. I read that this may be because I haven't been giving them enough sunlight, and I really don't. But here's my question: Would it be a good idea to leave them in the sun for a few hours a day? I live in Florida and it's over 90 degrees outside. The water temp in their tank is around 82 degrees. I also gave them some new food for the first time today, I don't know if that would cause the fungus. Any help would be appreciated.

I have a flourescent light in the tank and it is on for at least 12 hours a day.

Answer 1

Just make sure that you know what your dealing with before treating. Could it be shed?? Turtles shed their shell and skin as this is a sign of growth and proper care.

Note:
External fungal infections

Symptoms: These appear as solid white lumps, firstly around the toes and eyes then progressing to other areas on the legs and neck. Fungus may also begin at any area where skin or shell damage has occurred.

Treatment: Very mild cases may sometimes be treated simply by painting the affected area with a good quality aquarium medication and providing good water quality. It is highly recommended that you also add a little salt (5 to 10 grams per litre) and medication to the water. Most anti-fungal and anti-bacterial aquarium medications contain suitable ingredients for treating fungus, and are safe for turtles whether painted on the skin or added to the water.
If your turtle is more severely affected by external fungus, or if you are unsure how severe the infection is, the best treatment for external fungus is a combination treatment. This consists of painting the affected area and providing the turtle with a medicated salt bath (details), and this treatment may also be effective for turtles with internal infections. Using this treatment for external fungus will ensure that any unnoticed sites of infection are treated and that the infection is prevented from spreading to the bloodstream.

Answer 2

I had some red- ear sliders and most people do not realize the intense lights that they need. They need a heat lamp, but with a special lamps that gives a lot of vitamin D in it for their shells. Natural light is good, but you need to be careful putting them outside. Birds and other animals like to eat at them. They also need a submerge able water filter and heater.
Hope this helps you out some!

Answer 3

heres what to do u put him in a box alone then put a flourscent light over it MAKE SURE LAMP IS HOT. Then leave him in there for about an hour a day till fungus is gone

Answer 4

by the sounds of it its like what my turtles have. Pet stores do have these things called dr turtle and it is to help get rid of the fungus the turtles may have. and i would recommend taking the fish out of the tank.

Answer 5

No, the sun would overheat them without a way to cool off (the water would get to hot also) unless they are in a very large outdoor pond with plenty of shade. They take an awful lot of work and need very special care. Please see

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-red_ear_slider.htm

for complete care info. Basics are a 10 gallon sized tank for each 1 inch of shell length, a basking area to climb out of the water on, a basking lamp, thermometer to monitor basking temp (digital thermometer a must), a water heater, a water thermometer, a powerful water filter, a UVB bulb which must be within 12 inches of the basking area and changed every 6 months, and change the water very very very often. Feed a variety of foods in a separate tank to help keep things clean. Do not use plants or gravel in the tank. Gravel will cause fatal impactions.

Answer 6

Do you have a light in the tank? Get one and keep it on all day, then turn it off at night. Try to keep them by a window too, for natural light.