All Turtles Message Board

Turtle Luver · Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 3:00 pm Post subject: I am geting a RES

I am getting my first turtle and I just wanted to know if there is anything I should look out for,like any health problems to watch out for and things like that!

Colossis · Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 3:09 pm Post subject:

How big is it?

How big is your tank/filter/heater?

Turtle Luver · Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 3:14 pm Post subject:

uhh I don't know how big the turtle is the pet store is getting some in soon.I only have a tanks but I will go get the other stuff soon I hope and my tank is a 60 gal

Turtle Luver · Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 3:22 pm Post subject:

The turtle is kinda small but not baby sized

Turtle Luver · Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 3:31 pm Post subject:

I'm still planning this so any help would be great

Colossis · Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 3:42 pm Post subject:

This site is great reading for a beginner.

I like this page http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html too.

Turtle Luver · Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 3:52 pm Post subject:

thanks!

Nevfalath · Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2006 10:56 am Post subject:

60 gallon is an excellent start! At full grown, a male will need 75 gallons and a female will need 120 gallons. So you are off to a good start!

Here is some information I posted on another thread:

A turtle needs 10 gallons per inch of shell. 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.)

You will need to warm the water. A young turtle 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! And good luck with your new little guy!
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-= Shannon =-