turtles bleeding

Question
We have six red eared sliders in a 100 gallon well-filtered tank.  They have lived happily together for about 5 years.  This morning we noticed one had a bleeding leg.  On closer inspection, several legs are bleeding, as well as tail and some shoulder area.  I can't tell if he was attacked or if it is a fungus or infection of some kind, but I don't think he is going to make it.  We have isolated him from the others, applied betadine, etc.  This afternoon I noticed a similar raw spot on the tail of our biggest and oldest turtles.  I have now isolated him, as well.  How do I know if I have a cannibal turtle, or if this is some kind of disease?  How do I treat?  I have called numerous vets and no one will see sliders. Thank you!

Answer
6 Red-ears in a 100 gallon tank are probably overcrowded. Red-ears are territorial, and want lots of space. The rule of thumb is 10 gallons of water per inch of shell length. A single 10" Red-ear needs 100 gallons of water by itself.

If each of your turtles are 4" long, they should be in 240 gallons of water (or a mostly filled 300 gallon tank).

As the turtles are getting bigger, they are feeling more and more crowded and stressed, and this results in aggression- biting, attacks, etc. One turtle usually gets most of the attacks- sometimes it is the 'runt', sometimes it is the shyest or slowest or smallest turtle.

The only real cure is to reduce the crowding.

As for the injured turtles, the basic care would be...
- Put them in a good hospital habitat with plenty of good, clean, warm water (aim for 80-85F), and good lighting. Use UVB lights if possible.
- Reduce stress, noise, handling, etc.
- if they are actively bleeding, get them dry and dab the bleeding with s styptic pencil or dab on some cornstarch.
- Treat wounds with some Betadine solution (providone iodine). Let them dry for an hour or so. If any wound looks raw or sore, apply some antibiotic ointment as well.
- Treat with a good antibiotic treatment as well, either something like Turtle Sulfa Dip or the fish medicine Stress Coat (but only use one product.)

It takes injured turtles time to heal, and they should be in the water as much as they want- other than during active treatment or letting the Betadine dry.

For more ideas, try http://www.turtleforum.com and chat with other experienced keepers.

Good luck!