All Turtles Message Board

shasbury · Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2006 1:03 pm Post subject: please help- newbie

Hello,
My son was given a turtle and from what we can tell it looks like a basic map turtle. He really wanted me to buy him a RES. We have his new turtle in a 20 gal. aquarium for turtles that has a built in top layer for basking. Now for the questions...
1) How long should tank last for this turtle?
2) Would a map turtle and a RES or painted get along?
3) The map turtle spent most of the morning climbing up the ramp and onto the top area and then walking/falling off the edge of the platform. Is this normal?
4) I used tap water. Is that alright? I have about 6 inches of water in there but it is a fair drop from the upper level down to the water should I raise the water level up to right under the top level?
5) I have florescent lights under my cupboards that are shining on the tank now and for the past hour or so the turtle has climbed into the food dish/tray (which is empty) and is just laying there. Is this normal? It was so active this morning and now is so "lazy” I am hoping this is a good sign??

Ok now I can go to the store tonight and try to get plants for it. I am not sure what food to get. Should I start with just turtle pellets or should I go for live things?? I know this turtle came from the wild so want to make the transition as easy as possible. This turtle is about 2 or 2 1/2 inches if that makes a difference in food. Is it to small for minnows?

Thanks,
shas

shasbury · Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2006 1:25 pm Post subject:

sorry forgot another question. Will our turtle be alright if it is a week or two before I can get the lights and filter for the tank?
Thanks again

deesygirl · Moderator Joined: 12 Sep 2002 Posts: 1231

First of all you should raise the water level. You didn't say how big the turtle is. The general rule of thumb is 10 gal for each inch of shell length. When the turtles are younger you can extend this by a little. You need to put the turtle food directly into the water. The turtles can not swallow the food on land. As for keeping two turtles together, unless you have a very large (150+gal) I do not recommend it at all. Many people have serious problems in keeping multiples and to be honest with you they ususally do fine as hatchlings and juvies most of the time but when they become adults and get territorial that is when the problems usually crop up. There have been exceptions to this and here is a good article that a member here wrote concerning their experiences. http://www.allturtles.com/msgboard/viewtopic.php?t=6825

As for no filter you will need to do water changes frequently, preferably a 50% every day. For the lights a standard light bulb works well for a basking light but the turtle will need a UVB bulb. In the mean time take it outside for at least an hour every day. A kiddy pool works great. You can build a small basking area in the center and use a board or something like wise to give the turtle shade if it wants to cool off. Cover the top with chicken wire so dogs, cats and large birds can't get to the turtle.
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http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

shasbury · Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2006 2:51 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the information. I think we will stick with this one turtle as my son is just thrilled with it now and said he doen't care about having a RES. Our turtle is named Yoda (but I think it may be a girl as the claws look like girl but the tail looks male so not sure) anyway Yoda is just about 2 inches wide. Maybe a touch bigger but not much.

The water wont get to deep for it will it?

~shas~