All Turtles Message Board

Lista · Level 1 Joined: 15 Jan 2006 Posts: 6

Hi everyone,

I just bought myself a couple of water turtles. So, I need to ask you a few questions.
First off, I've done a lot of reading, and I know how to setup housing and all that, but, I cannot afford it. So, there's no way for me to get a 20 gallon aquarium, a water heater, purifiyer and so on.
I need to know exactly how important is the basking area? 'Cause I don't see my turtles using it a lot. Also, what about water temperature? Since I'm not able to buy a heater, what should I do?
Any suggestion and an information from experienced user is welcomed.

Thank you.

ybsldrmom · Level 2 Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 45

Hi Lista,
Do you know what kind they are?

I'm new here but just thought I'd mention what I learned the hard way.
It's better to go as large as you can or you'll be shelling out money everytime you have to upgrade...and believe me, it gets expensive quick!
I've heard and seen many people who use rubbermaid boxes (20 gallon, and up) with no problems for their turtles, so that may be an option for you.

The basking area should be 85 to 90 and the water should be 75 to 85 and is very important for the lil guys. They need to dry out, and get the UVA and UVB rays to keep healthy.

You'll get alot more indepth information and personal experiences from the pro's here. Smile

Good luck with your new babies! Very Happy

dixieee · Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 5:38 pm Post subject:

welcome to the board..

ybsldrmom almost covered everything but there's something i would like to add. yes the basking area is very important but ur guy isn't using it now cz he's still too scared to show up. another thing, go for a rubbermaid and do get a heater plz (at least) or u'll get stuck with either a dying turtle or vet costs. the UV is as important too but u can replace it with direct sunlight for now. btw, direct sunlight is when it's not filtered by any screens or windows. a heat bulb above the basking area is essential too and u can replace that with any normal bulb. just make sure the temps are ok..a thermometer almost costs nothing for that

good luck and plz take good care of ur turtles cz u'll find out how precious they are once u begin interacting
_________________
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

Lista · Level 1 Joined: 15 Jan 2006 Posts: 6

At the moment, I'm really not able to buy anything. So, for atleast a week or so I'll have to use the alternative ways. I'll keep the desk lamp turned on above the aquarium at all times for now. Is this ok? And should I change the water for like three times a day, using water of the right temperature? Because I read that temperature oscilations are not good either.

dixieee · Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 6:44 pm Post subject:

hmm try to maintain the temps warm as much as possible and the first thing u'll have to get is the heater..
_________________
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

Lista · Level 1 Joined: 15 Jan 2006 Posts: 6

One quick question: Where do they sleep? In the water, or out in the dry?

dixieee · Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 2:52 am Post subject:

both is ok. they can hold their breath for long times
_________________
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

CeCe · Level 2 Joined: 04 Jan 2005 Posts: 56

BTW - if you read up on it why the heck didn't you check out prices BEFORE buying a turtle. and then well, waited....

The aquaruim set up is the expensive bit, but its also the bit that will keep them alive... can you afford food? coz you cant just feed the babys anything

They sleep in the water. and usually did a sort of hole in the gravel under a rock or under plants that sort of thing...

Sorry if grumpy but love turtles and hate people treating them like a toy.

Lista · Level 1 Joined: 15 Jan 2006 Posts: 6

Actually, I went to the pet store, and asked the seller what do I need; naturally he didn't mention any of the stuff I now discover to be essential. But don't worry, I don't consider them to be a toy. Very Happy

kellydanette · Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 1:31 pm Post subject:

Ok i keep learning new things on here...which is great! I was wondering after reading this is the a difference between the basking spot lamp and a heater? I have the water heater and a Zoo Med basking spot lamp that provides the UVA rays is there something else I'm missing???????

trtlduv · Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 1:37 pm Post subject:

UVb rays are very important! You'll need to find a reptile bulb with both UVa and UVb rays, if you can't, you should do like dixieee said and get them into direct sunlight, not through screens or windows, cuz they'll filter out the rays your turts need. Smile

_________________
shade & sweetwater!

kellydanette · Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 1:40 pm Post subject:

but it is so cold here i can't take him outside to get the direct sun light, is there something else i can do or get for him

Lista · Level 1 Joined: 15 Jan 2006 Posts: 6

Also, are they like fish, will they eat till they're full or will they over-eat themselves and die?

dixieee · Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 4:09 pm Post subject:

kellydanette yes get a UVB bulb too

Lista they will eat and eat and eat and eat...u have to control that for them
_________________
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

Lista · Level 1 Joined: 15 Jan 2006 Posts: 6

dixieee · Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 4:20 pm Post subject:

hmm they will over-grow the shell, have bone diseases, and...

keep checking by turning them and looking at their feet holes. if u see flesh coming out all the time not only when they're breathing then someone needs to be put on a diet. a diet consists of 2 parts:
1- food: cut down the quantity and replace most of it with veggies and green leaves.
2- exercise: good exercise helps turtles stay in shape. exercises include giving them a nice swim in a bathtub or a good walk on the floor. either way, keep an eye on them 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