what to feed

Question
my turtle won't eat ever since he finished last weeks feeder gold fish.I tried fish again but he wouldn't eat them.I keep him in about a 40 by 20 tank with land and a basking lamp so he can bask.he has small white spots on his shell, and minor swollen eyes.his tank is a little dirty but I will clean it today.I provide him with REPTOGAURD skin tablets.[my turtle is a red eared slider and I don't have enough money for the vet]  

Answer
Hi Lucas,

Water quality is really important with RES.  You need to have a good filter and do partial water changes every week.  Feeding outside the tank can help to keep it clean.  Check your water temperature (should be around 78) and basking temperature (about 90).  You also need a good source of UVB, either as part of your basking bulb or in a separate bulb.  Feeder goldfish aren't the best thing to feed--guppies or mosquito fish would be better--and you need to provide a more varied diet.  This can include animal matter (boiled chicken, fish, worms, crickets, etc.), plant matter (turnip greens, collards, mixed lettuces, dandelion, etc.), and pellets.  If you make some minor improvements to the way you're keeping your turtle, the shell and eye problem should improve.  Good luck!