A 5-year-old terrapin rubbed his eyes and sneezes when put into a new tank
Channel: Dr David Sing
Date: 12/03/2016

Mar 12, 2016

A new plastic tank was purchased and this terrapin was placed into it. The terrapin reacted to the new environment by rubbing his eyes and sneezing.

Likely cause of this itchy eyes and sneezing would be the chemicals present in new plastic tank rather than the water.
The chemicals leach out and pollute the water. 

The new tank needs to be "seasoned" for 2-4 weeks before introducing this terrapin.

Sat Mar 12, 2016 was a surprise. I had two terrapin patient in succession. This one had itchy eyes and sneezing.  This terrapin is well cared for and a UVB light had been used. Water is changed daily, a variety of food and vegetables (lelttuce given before pellets, otherwise she would not eat lettuce). She goes for exercise in the playground daily. Very well cared for and loved. The anti-fungal solution decolorises her shell. She has morning sunlight and basking area. 

This is the first time I encounter a case of reaction of a terrapin to a new plastic tank, but in fishes, new tanks usually cause deaths as the chemicals from constructed tanks are harmful to the fishes.