Hi! Introduce yourselves here. :: Hi There! First time turtle owner

[mhunter]

Hello!

I'm a veterinary student and animal lover.

I am getting a 7 year old Red Eared Slider from a friend who can no longer keep the turtle. I'm a first time turtle owner, so any tips or suggestions for good books or websites would be greatly appreciated! (I've been reading the redearslider.com website and also did already get a couple books from the library. I don't actually have the turtle yet, but should be getting her in a couple of days.)


thanks,

Mary

[Kemul]

Welcome!

You have a good start by reading all you can about turtles.

Just a suggestion, if you're going to use a new tank, you might want to set it up
before you receive the turtle. Run the filter, check the water, etc. It may take
about two weeks for the water to complete its nitrogen cycle and be in the most
comfortable zone for turtles. I'm sorry if this is wrong (I'm a newbie too).

[mhunter]

Hi Kermul,

thanks for the advice. I'm getting a tank tomorrow, and am going to try and set it up tomorrow night. The friend is suppose to give me the turtle on Wednesday. How bad do you think it is if I don't let the water run for 2 weeks?

[megcornell]

Letting the water cycle is more important for fishes who are more dependent on water quality. While high ammonia isn't great for turtles, you can easily combat it with the turtle in the tank without risking his health.

Also, welcome to the site!

[TurtleLover_S&B]

Welcome!You can buy some Water Conditioner to get rid of the chlorine and all that.You can get it at PetSmart.Here's a link to a pic. of it:

http://pet.imageg.net/graphics/product_ ... 7136dt.jpg

[bradmeisel]

Welcome. You're really doing your turtles a service by reading up and getting their habitat up before you get them.

I generally change all the water and then put them right in. I use a water conditioner also.

I hope you enjoy your turtle. I've enjoyed mine much more thasn I thought I would.

[sanoske312]

hey congrats on the new turtle they are wonderful pets and friends and good job and gaining as much info as you can before getting it

hope to see you around on the forum and post some pictures when you get a chance