Hi! Introduce yourselves here. :: New turtle momma

[Olaamb]

hi Everyone!
I am very very new mom to a tiny red ear slider. I found him in a trash two days ago... no... really somebody threw him/her out with the little container you get in chinatown, the turle is about inch and a half now (how old do you think he/she is?) and it was much too big for the container. I went to the pet store and got a tank, basking stone, water filter and some food. I have never had a pet like this before and it all seems very complicated with the filters, water quality etc....
fist question: at the pet store they told me that I don't need a light right now, I live in PA and it's about 90 degrees here in the summer, should I get one anyway? the tank is next to a window but there in never direct sunlight there..
question two: is there a good online store where I can get good quality equipment: thermometer, filters etc.?
Thanks so much!
Aleksandra

[steve]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the rescue!

Your turtle is probably only a few weeks old. bigalsonline.com and drsfostersmith.com should have most of what you need. Be wary of pet store advice and products. Water temperature is very important, try to keep it at 80F and a basking temp of 90F. How big is the tank?

[penelope]

Welcome to the forum!
What a find! Very sad that someone tossed the little one away, but kudos to you for saving him/her!!!
There is a ton of information on the main site to get you started: http://redearslider.com/sitemap.html
and, of course, you have the forum to help your clarify things.
So, have you thought of a name for your little one? just curious.

[Olaamb]

Thank you!
The tank is 10 gallons, how long do you think it will last me?
I have this filter:http://www.petco.com/product/14930/TetraFauna-ReptoFilter-For-Frogs,-Newts-and-Turtles.aspx?cm_mmc=CSEMGoogleAdExtProd-_-Reptile-_-Tetra-_-1341057&mr:trackingCode=76EA2B36-0A79-DF11-BC8B-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&gclid=COiE-ajszrECFQhN4AodkHEAUQ is it sufficient enough? They told me I can go 3 weeks without changing the water with it but I don't think I can wait that long...
I have read that there is some way to test the water quality, could you direct me a bit? what do I do to make the water better for him?
Also, which lights and bulbs are best, I also need to get thermometers and water heater, could someone tell me which ones are good? there are so many put there... :/
On a last note I just notice that he eats him poop.... is this normal? am I not feeding him enough? should I remove at poop as soon as I see it?
oh!!! so many questions!!!
Please help!
OH, and no official name yet, I am assuming it's he so it's Buddy right now, but if its a girl I might have to change it )
thanks!
ALeksandra

[steve]

It's normal that they eat poop, but you should still net it out as soon as you can. This is the water test kit that most like to use: http://www.amazon.com/API-FRESHWATER-MA ... B000255NCI

For thermometers, any of the stick on types will be OK for the water and pick up a tube one for spot readings. The Reptiglo and Reptisun 5.0 are adequate UVB bulbs. Many prefer the compact versions since they fit into standard light fixtures.

[Olaamb]

It's normal that they eat poop, but you should still net it out as soon as you can. This is the water test kit that most like to use: http://www.amazon.com/API-FRESHWATER-MA ... B000255NCI

For thermometers, any of the stick on types will be OK for the water and pick up a tube one for spot readings. The Reptiglo and Reptisun 5.0 are adequate UVB bulbs. Many prefer the compact versions since they fit into standard light fixtures.

thanks so much!