All Turtles Message Board

Theresa_M · Level 1 Joined: 09 Aug 2006 Posts: 8

I was recently given 2 baby RES and in researching their care I don't remember reading anything about substrate. I currently have them in a tank with a bare bottom. Is substrate necessary, and if so what's the best choice for turtles.

Thanks Very Happy

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

It is not necessary but if you want to put something in there it is best to use river rocks or anything bigger than thier heads.

Toolshed05 · Level 2 Joined: 26 Sep 2005 Posts: 50

well its said that some turtles like to look at the bottom of the empty tank, also w/ no rocks/substrate its A Lot easier to clean, but i personally have 3-4 inch smooth river rock got them from home depot so much cheaper than a pet store

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

I have some river rock in my tank too. makes it look nicer. It is not slap full from one end to the other. Just enough to hear the tapping of the rocks on glass when the turtles decide to move them around, and its easy to clean. Altough not as easy as having nothing in there. There is another poter who at one time said they had printed out pics of river rocks and laid it under the tank. Theres an idea.