All Turtles Message Board

msjava · Level 2 Joined: 06 Nov 2005 Posts: 48

I recently got a slider, didnt know until I started researching that it's illegal, definately not 4 inches. Anyway...I love this little guy, want to ensure he is as happy as I can make him. I recently upgraded to a larger tank, swimming area is about a foot long by 6 inches deep, with acq. rocks sloping up to flat area above the water with a basking rock. Someone mentioned a ceramic heated rock...will absolutly get one of those. Anyway...all my guy does is try to get out...'running' up the sides of the enclosure..standing on tip toes under the basking light...what could this mean? I have not been able to tell if he's eating...in the 3 months I've had him...I have not seen him eat one time..but he has to be, right? I've got pellets, and I put some critter grass in there...he nibbles at those...what else can I try? I am sorry this is so long....I just want to make sure i am taking good care of him. He does swim alot...when he's not trying to get out..lol Thank you thank you thank you for any and all advice, assistance, critisism...I love this site already

contact444 · Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 12:19 am Post subject:

Well it sounds like you are pretty excited about your little guy! The only thing I have a question about is a heated ceramic rock?? I have never heard of using these for turtles, they really only need a basking lamp and a UVB/UVA light. I would almost say not to get the rock. Tell me a little more about this.

Also pellets soaked in tuna juice is a good idea if he's not eating.
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2 big RES, 1 Flowerhorn Cichlid, 1 Cockatiel. I will alway hold a place in my heart for Daphne, my albino RES.

msjava · Level 2 Joined: 06 Nov 2005 Posts: 48

Pretty sure I read a few posts where heated ceramic rocks were used....but, it couldve been in a tank where the wet/dry is plexi-glass partitioned. My concern is I want him to have warmth after I turn the light off at night. I'm thinking I will get the red basking buld that heats but doesnt put off much light...is this a good way to go? Also....will the red light warm the water like a daytime bulb does?

dixieee · Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 3:13 am Post subject:

he must've been eating for 3 months then Smile

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Wed 10/27/2004 is the worst day..i lost my best friend Leo

so now i have a female RES, Green, and a cute stupid male YBS, Mint

5/4/2006 RIP Lemon, u were my first rescue and i'm so proud of u. will never 4get u

STRAYKINGFISHER · Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 9:47 am Post subject:

I use a ceramic heater, it doesn't give off any light at all, just heat:

The one that looks like an upside down mushroom Very Happy

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msjava · Level 2 Joined: 06 Nov 2005 Posts: 48

Stray, thanks so much for the visuals! Now I have a better idea of what I need to look for when going out today. I am still a bit confusing on lighting....do I need uva rays, uvb rays, AND a way to heat the water....or will one of those ray emiters heat the water...? I am sorry..I think Ive been reading too much and got too much information in my head..lol Also, when I turn off the lighting at night, will that be harmful...to not be getting any uva/b rays at night?

dixieee · Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2005 7:58 am Post subject:

i don't use any UV bulbs but i've read that they don't give off heat, only UV rays. for the lighting times, yep that's good enough cz remember that in the wild the sun sets too Smile

_________________
Wed 10/27/2004 is the worst day..i lost my best friend Leo

so now i have a female RES, Green, and a cute stupid male YBS, Mint

5/4/2006 RIP Lemon, u were my first rescue and i'm so proud of u. will never 4get u

msjava · Level 2 Joined: 06 Nov 2005 Posts: 48

Case in point....right after I responded to you, dixie..I moved the light closer to wear he is....on the smaller, cooler rock...and now he is on the big basking rock, farther from the basking lamp.. Anyone have any ideas on this?