Calcium deposits (not on shell)

LizzyLu

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Looking for advice. My area in Texas has very hard water. I do filter out chlorine and other chemicals, but do not want a softening system. My redfoot get white on tops of their heads, not calcium build up on shell. I soak regularly & spray w/distilled water after soaking, and all water used in their enclosure is distilled. Still have white heads, shells are fine. Suggestions? Thanks
 

LizzyLu

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Is that zoomed/clear enough? As you can see, it has a good carapace, but white on top of head.
 

LizzyLu

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Cherry head came to me with the pyramiding and I have improved her conditions. See the white on head though? These guys get daily soaks, 70% humidity in enclosures, outside time, etc. just frustrated with the esthetics, I guess
 

LizzyLu

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I have dug though archives and usually only see issues with calcium deposits on the carapace. That’s why I finally decided to ask about this issue.
 

Toddrickfl1

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This isn't calcium deposits, it's usually low humidity that causes this. What kind of hygrometer are you using?
 

Yvonne G

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It might just be extra dry skin. Rub in a bit of cold pressed coconut oil or mineral oil, allow to absorb then polish it off.
 

TeamZissou

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The white spots on the shell (non marbling parts) look like the start of shell fungus to me. I am not sure if the spot on the head is fungus, but it could be. I would definitely do some athlete's foot cream on the shell and possibly try some on the head to see if it makes a difference.

It's generally not a good idea to drink nothing but distilled water (or pure RO water) since it lacks minerals. While it probably won't make your tortoise deficient since it gets minerals in food, I would probably still avoid it long term.
 

LizzyLu

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The tortoise soak in regular tap water daily. They are sprayed down in distilled water. The fogger has distilled water as well. Thanks.
 

LizzyLu

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This isn't calcium deposits, it's usually low humidity that causes this. What kind of hygrometer are you using?
I use inkbird- also controls the fogger. Set to go off lower than 70% humidity. I have 3-4 inches of substrate that I wet down and flip weekly. Top is 65% covered. Also spray enclosure daily and soak the torts daily. Hard to imagine they are dehydrated. They do like to chill under the heat lamp a lot when they are inside during the winter. Would that cause the dryness even when humidity is good? Summertime when they are outside all day this isn’t as pronounced.
 

Toddrickfl1

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I think it's possible they're drying out under the heat lamp. Maybe try getting a separate hygrometer to make sure yours is reading accurate too.
 

LizzyLu

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Will do. I will place it closer to the basking area too. Thank you! Some dryness is actually an easier fix for me then calcium deposits, so that’s a relief. Building a new tort table with a greenhouse topper. That should also help.
 

LizzyLu

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I think it's possible they're drying out under the heat lamp. Maybe try getting a separate hygrometer to make sure yours is reading accurate too.
Is there a hygrometer you recommend? I know most are notoriously inaccurate.
 

Toddrickfl1

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Great looking Cherry heads too!
 

LizzyLu

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Thanks. I think it’s still young enough to correct the pyramiding. Love seeing the marbling come through. Appreciate your time.
 

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