Other Turtle Discussion :: 2 new turtles

[sn47ch8uckl3r]

I just got 2 new turtles they are both roughly 2.5 inches long and I don't know how old they are. I have a 20 gallon tank right now but am planning on getting a 40 gallon once i can afford it. I have two filers and one heat lamp. Since they are still young or i believe they are because they are little should I use both filters? I got them 4 days ago and am already super attached. They are right now living in the tank in like 10 gallons of water for 2 more days until I can get them home from college. I feed them pellets twice a day and only a because I want to make sure I'm feeding them enough.

[Jaysea]

Your also going to need a UVB lamp. Also only feed them once a day the amount that would fit in their heads if their head was empty. Otherwise your turtles could grow to fast and experience problems with their shells like pyramiding, because there is alot of protein in pellets. If you want to feed them more then that I suggest you put a piece of romaine or red leaf lettuce in the tank with them for snacking.

How strong are the filters, i'd say in 10 gallons worth of water your not going to need 2 filters running.

We love pictures by the way

[sflemin2]

You should do a lot of research..this site has everything you need. You are going to need a huge tank for two turtles..especially if they are females. (Im talking 100+ gallons..but you have some time before they get that big). Turtles have proven to be rather expensive but they are worth it

[sn47ch8uckl3r]

They are both females. Thanks for the help. Do I need to let them out of the tank for exercise or because they are small should I just keep them in the tank? I have a large back yard but also wood flooring throughout my house. I also read somewhere that I can put small fish in the tank so they can get exercise chasing them around.

[sflemin2]

Females get bigger than males..heads up! lol. Also, in a few years, they may lay eggs and you will have to provide a place for them to lay them (they will not be fertilized of course).

Some people let their turtles out .. mine hate it but a lot of others don't. I dont put fish in the tank because I feel sorry for the fish haha. I will let some other's answer about exercise.. I am not sure. I haven't had baby turtles in 10 years!

[happycamper]

Turtles will not start showing the signs of being a male or female until they are roughly 4 inches in length.

[sn47ch8uckl3r]

The claws look female so im just assuming right now.

[happycamper]

Yeah, the claws wont get long until they get closer to sexual maturity.

I wouldn't suggest letting your turtles roam around the house, some people do, but I don't think it benefits the turtle. On nice days a stroll in the sun can be great for them, but they are faster than you would think!I usually set up some kind of enclosure so he can soak up the rays without pulling a Houdini on me.

[sn47ch8uckl3r]

I let them out in my dorm room a little and I was impressed at how fast they were. I gave them blood worms as a treat are those alright?

[missibsu]

Bloodworms are alright as a treat, but not their steady diet. I also noticed that at the beginning you mentioned feeding twice a day because you wanted to make sure that you were feeding them enough. As a general rule, we all tend to overfeed our pets. You are fine feeding once a day. Rule of thumb for pellets is the amount that would fit inside the head if it were hollow. You can add veggies and just let it float in the water.

[sn47ch8uckl3r]

what about for the bottom? if I use sand does it matter what kind. im not sure exactly what type of sand it is so will it harm it?

[steve]

You need to use a silica based sand in a freshwater setups. The most inexpensive you can get would be Quicrete brand play sand but check out the sand FAQ for more ideas and options.