softshell turtle growth rate in captivity?

[santoury]

The basking area is not 100 percent necessary, BUT you really have to keep very close hold on your water quality.
Softshells bask to dry off bacteria/fungi/algae that start growing on their shell. Without a basking area, the shell is quite prone to infection if your water quality is not up to date.
I don't know if it's your camera, or your water, but your water looks kind of cloudy, and the substrate has a lot of organic matter on it - so ... Put one and one together.

 

[csx4236]

I have a chinese albino softshell for about 2 years now and he's gone from 2" to 10" in that time frame. I am under the impression that the chinese do not get any bigger then 12" correct me if I am wrong please. Mine does hot have any basking area and is doing very well, He will eat just about any type of food I place in the tank shrimp,silversides,eathworms and all types of pellets. I do agree you need very good water quality for these guys and I keep the tank alittle salted keeps the shell from getting any fungus on it.

 

[cichlaguapote]

I have a chinese albino softshell for about 2 years now and he's gone from 2" to 10" in that time frame. I am under the impression that the chinese do not get any bigger then 12" correct me if I am wrong please. Mine does hot have any basking area and is doing very well, He will eat just about any type of food I place in the tank shrimp,silversides,eathworms and all types of pellets. I do agree you need very good water quality for these guys and I keep the tank alittle salted keeps the shell from getting any fungus on it.

Mike just aquarium salt aka stuff used as medication or actual brackish/sw salt?? Actual dosage?

 

[mercury904]

I have a chinese albino softshell for about 2 years now and he's gone from 2" to 10" in that time frame. I am under the impression that the chinese do not get any bigger then 12" correct me if I am wrong please. Mine does hot have any basking area and is doing very well, He will eat just about any type of food I place in the tank shrimp,silversides,eathworms and all types of pellets. I do agree you need very good water quality for these guys and I keep the tank alittle salted keeps the shell from getting any fungus on it.

So they dont need a basking space after all? In that 2 years you didn't put any basking space? coz im thinking not to put any baskings too

 

[estuary]

So they dont need a basking space after all? In that 2 years you didn't put any basking space? coz im thinking not to put any baskings too

i would put a basking spot you turtle
he/she will be healther and happier for it

 

[Nic]

nice lil softy

 

[csx4236]

I dont have any basking spot and yes just aquarium salt is used.

 

[santoury]

CSX - salt with softys ? New one for me. Good to know.

 

[deangelo]

Is the basking area really necessary? I mean are they gonna die if I won't put one? BTW how old are your turtles and how big are they?thanx

IMO basking is necessary for the softy since they are'nt fully aquatic they need a place to rest and dry off..i agree that water quality is an absolute must for softy's since they are prone to fungus..my Softy was around 3-4" had it when it was around 2-3" it lived in a small 12" x 12" tub just got tired of doing water changes but they are cool looking little buggers and they do grow slow...fed mine tadpoles and small guppy fry..