All Turtles Message Board

melsmom · Posted: Wed May 30, 2007 2:57 pm Post subject: how important is a heater

I have one RES who is pretty darn hardy considering all the posts i've submitted re: dirty tank, etc ... I use bottled water with the biowaste drops (name escapes me right now). I'm still trying to figure out the Fluval 3 foam pads vs carbon .. which is better? But, anyway i've never had a heater but read that it's important. The turt hangs out on rocks (beach rocks) i have stacked so it can enjoy the basking lamp. I have a turtle ramp on order to minimize the junk that rests under the rocks. I hate to have so many things plugged in .. filter, lamp ... so please how important is the heater? What effect does having the proper water temp have on the turt with regard to appearance, etc ...

ryanandsuzyro · Level 3 Joined: 19 Nov 2006 Posts: 200

First of all, tons of info at
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-red_ear_slider.htm

and such.

re: filter. To my understanding, carbon pads are to be used in addition to the standard foam pads on a Fluval. You need the two regular big pads, and then you stick the carbon in between them. The carbon is not designed to be used on it's own.

re: Heater. Well, my buddy doesn't use a heater... the temperature of his turtle tank is within range without it. Obviously you need the basking light for the guy to warm up.

"Water Temperature: ~ 72 to 76 degrees for sub-adults & adults, 78 to 80 degrees for hatchlings & smaller juveniles."

One way to answer you question is to check the water temp! You can buy a cheap suction-cup thermometor like I have, or a digital "sticker" one... that's a first step. Find out what the temperature of your water is. If it's too cold, your turtle will react by eating less and possibly trying to hibernate, or becoming confused because it's not cold enough to hibernate but not warm enough to be active.

I use a heater to make sure the temp is good. Tucker's still young so it hovers at 78, when he gets older I'll turn the heater down some more.

melsmom · Posted: Wed May 30, 2007 11:25 pm Post subject:

first off .. wow thank you for the best response I've gotten for any question. yes .. i will check the temp.we are in san diego and our house temp, tho it fluctuates, is likely not as hot or cold as say the midwest or east coast. yeah as for the Fluval i think u do use both filters but with the RES residual food and poo .. it may clogs 2 easily .. we're going on vacation for 10 days ina few weeks i want to make sure the tank is clean for at least just up to the 10th day Laughing

_________________
my lil preciosa .. to the left, cute, huh?

JustJoe · Guest Joined: 23 Jun 2007 Posts: 4

I've had my RES since February with no heater and they're doing great. The room they're in is always warmer that the others in my apartment, so even with the A/C on, the water stays around 73 - 78 degrees. When I leave for work, I turn the A/C off and it gets even warmer. I'm sure me living in Texas rather than in a colder area works in my favor.

ryanandsuzyro · Level 3 Joined: 19 Nov 2006 Posts: 200

Yeah, obviously you're concerned about the water temperature. If the water temperature without a heater is within the appropriate range for the guy, then you should be okay. I live in British Columbia. It's temperate here on the coast, but the tank doesn't quite hit the best temp for my turtle, so I use a small heater to ensure it's safe.

The only real concern you have is a sudden temperature drop and no ability to combat it. *shrugs* Stick a thermometer in there and see what's what.

Bubonic · Level 2 Joined: 06 Mar 2008 Posts: 81

I've heard that both heaters and thermometers are dangerous for the safety of the turtle.

This is in the case that the turtle gnaws at either one.
If I do get a submersible heater, can I shove it under the rocks?

Aesthetically speaking in a 40 gallon tank, having a filter, heater, and thermometer sunk in the water mustn't look that good...

The SPCA guy says the basking lamp should be hot enough to heat the turtle and the water.

ryanandsuzyro · Level 3 Joined: 19 Nov 2006 Posts: 200

Bubonic · Level 2 Joined: 06 Mar 2008 Posts: 81

Thanks again, I'm thinking of getting one of those encased heaters you mentioned, my turtle will be happy, and my heating bill won't be as high.
Personally I can keep my room at 10-15 centigrade and be alright... I'm Canadian ey Wink

That Austin turtle page is great, but makes me feel like a bad turtle owner.
Saying a single female of the species needs something like a 125 gallon tank... I can't afford that.

So I'll definitely be keeping my turtle without a roommate in its 40 gallon tank, cept for some feeder fish maybe.