All Turtles Message Board

turtleinfo · Level 2 Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Posts: 39

New turtle owner-2 of them I think red eared sliders but not sure...how much will proper housing cost approximately? I have a tank but I dont know if it's big enough so I need a thermometer, a UV ligh, a heat lamp...is that it?

trtlduv · Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2006 1:20 pm Post subject:

How big is your tank? Are the turts still babies? Does your UV light provide UVa and UVb rays? They are both important. As for the tank, I tried to help answer that on your other post, but you'll need a big one for them when they get older, anywhere from 55 gallons and up. You can use a big rubbermaid container, as a lot of other turtle owners do, and save up for a bigger tank or stick with the rubbermaid if you would rather do that. Smile

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shade & sweetwater!

turtleinfo · Level 2 Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Posts: 39

thanks for responding I have no idea were to begin. The turtles are still babies I dont know how big my tank is, in feet it's L-19.5XW-11.35XH-12.5
I dont have a uv light or anything, just a tank w. some water w/ solution in it, rocks that I cleaned from my mom's garden, and some pellet food...do you know whats the lowest price for getting the rest of that stuff?

trtlduv · Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2006 8:01 pm Post subject:

Wow, the lights have a tendency to be expensive, but the UVa and UVb rays are very important to your turts health. Is it warm where you are? Can you take them out into the direct sunlight? Any household lightbulb will work for heat, just make sure you have the right temps (by putting it closer or further away from the basking area). I don't know how much the rubbermaid containers are (like I said I scored my tank from a friend at work), but if you have a Walmart in your area, their prices are usually very reasonable. What kind of solution in your water? A conditioner? Someone else might be more help so I'll leave it at that. Laughing

Good Luck!!
_________________
shade & sweetwater!

turtleinfo · Level 2 Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Posts: 39

how expensive r the lights? and no...I live in Boston. do you know if my tabnnk is big enough? thanx...if heard alot of difference over this...what is a good temp? is the "wow" a bad wow like "you'll never do it"?

turtleinfo · Level 2 Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Posts: 39

I have a blue solution calledreptisafe...it is a conditioner and you put 2 drops into evry cup of water.

trtlduv · Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2006 12:43 am Post subject:

No, the wow was only cause a lot of people don't know how important the lighting is for a turt, I wasn't trying to be rude at all, I'm sorry if I offended you. If one of your turts is sick, and she is, right? Gunk in her eyes? Your water temp should be about 84 and the basking area about mid-80's to 90. I'm not sure about your tank size, is it 19.5 inches long? It's probably fine for now, but you'll need a big one as they grow. A lot of people get rubbermaid containers and they seem to work fine. Wink

_________________
shade & sweetwater!

turtleinfo · Level 2 Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Posts: 39

Thanx..no I wasn't offended...just nervouse and overwhelmed...thanx for the info...yes 19.5 inches long. I've heard about the rubermaid and Il prob end up using that but if my tank is good for now

turtleinfo · Level 2 Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Posts: 39

sorry last message cont...

if my tanks good for now iom not spending extra $ 4 no reason

kellydanette · Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2006 5:14 pm Post subject:

Mine is in a 20 gallon right now is about the size of a quater also and i think thats ok for now I'm saving up for the 55 gallon.

turtleinfo · Level 2 Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Posts: 39

i have two in about a ten!!! oh no how much water do you have in yours?

kellydanette · Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2006 8:11 pm Post subject:

i have the water level pretty high about 5 inches from the top with his basking dock. i know the water levvel should be AT LEAST twice the lenght of there shell it cause they flip over they can flip themselves back over but if they are strong swimmers then you can add more water. Also I know that you didn't ask but I wanted to tell you cuz I'm a newbie too and just learning I went to Pet smart and got a live water westeria (not sure about that spelling) plant and put in his tank and he is loving it!!!!!!!!