All Turtles Message Board

Juicejames · Guest Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 3

Ok i am new to this and i asked the lady i got these turles from all about them sad normal tap water would work dident tell me how my tank should be set up or how to heat the things i need help. i bought 2 red ear sliders, and i woke up this morning and one was sadly dead and i want to save the other one but i need help on a good tank set up for him

I have a 10 gal tank

rocks and 3 places for them to come out of the water if they want no heat tho...but i do have them by a window so they can get sun some times...i just need help someone start me off so i dont loose this otherone....

Thank you so much,

who ever replys has MSN my emaill is Tphouses3003@hotmail.com

I really dont want to loose this one help willing to redo everything so he can live...

turtle_grl77 · Level 4 Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Posts: 985 Location: Florida

Sun thru the window is not perfect. They do not get the uva/uvb they need, plus the heat i would think would kind of cook them if it gets hot where you are. you should buy a uva/uvb and a basking light. i have a filter to help keep water clean.how big is the turtle? 10 gal is ok to start with but eventually you will need to go bigger, and by bigger i mean like 70 gal for male 125 or higher for female. there is lots of posts here you could get info from.
was the turtles acting normal? can you post pics? lots of people on here who have helpful info. feel free to ask!

Juicejames · Guest Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 3

he is only about 4 weeks old very small how long intill i have to upgrade to a bigger tank?

Juicejames · Guest Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 3

should i also buy a small water heater or will the light keep the water warm also...

turtle_grl77 · Level 4 Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Posts: 985 Location: Florida

Depends on how fast the turtle grows. As far as a heater you can buy 1 that you can adjust the temp. At such a young age I have seem it recommended to be at 80 I have had my turts temps at 78. With them being young you would want to keep it warmer so they dont get sick.

Nevfalath · Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 10:54 pm Post subject:

Never listen to what pet store employees tell you. Most of the time they don't know anything about the animal and will say what you want to hear to make a sale.

Turtles can grow pretty quickly, so even though the 10 gallon is okay for him now, I would upgrade as soon as you can. A turtle needs 10 gallons per inch of shell. When I got my turtle, he was about an inch big. I have had him for around 8 months now and he has grown 3-4 times the size. Because tanks can be so expensive, you may want to use a large Rubbermaid.

He will need a basking platform that allows him to get completely out of the water and dry off when he wants to. He will also need a UVA light and a UVB light. A UVA light can be a regular light bulb. This type of bulb generates heat and is needed to keep your turtle warm. You should place it above your turtle's basking spot. A UVB light produces no heat, but is just as important. This is needed to help the turtle produce Calcium. There should be nothing between the light and the turtle (ex. screen, glass, ect.)

Yes, you will need to warm the water. A turtle that young will need the temperature to be 80 degrees. That can be done easily enough as you can purchase one that allows you to adjust the temperature.

Please make sure to NEVER use gravel or anything smaller than the turtle's head as substrate. There is a good chance your turtle will eat it, and that may cause an intestinal blockage.

RedEarSlider.com is an excellent website all about Red Eared Sliders. Check it out sometime! If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask! Smile

Also, I'm very sorry about your loss. I too have lost a little turtle before and know how it feels.
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-= Shannon =-

Turtle Fiasco · Posted: Fri Apr 28, 2006 8:50 pm Post subject:

Nevfalath · Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2006 10:47 am Post subject:

As long as he is active and eating (and most importantly pooping) he is most likely fine. Keep a good eye on him and remove the gravel a.s.a.p.!
_________________
-= Shannon =-