Hi! Introduce yourselves here. :: New to me turtle in SoCal

[4acae86]

Hello Everybody,

I was asked if I wanted to adopt a turtle because the previous owner couldn't do it anymore. Me being me said yes without really knowing what it entailed. This site has been pretty helpful so far and now I really want to upgrade the tank so that there is more swimming room. Unfortunately I live in an apartment so I can't do a pond. Hopefully by the time she (I think) grows bigger I will be able to get a pond... for now though I am looking into a larger aquarium as I think mine is too small. On to the pics:





They just called it the turtle so I have named her Tama Chan. I think it's about a year or two old. Didn't really get a chance to get too much info from the previous caretakers.

[steve]

Welcome to the forum! Congrats on the adoption! It does look like you have a turtle tank which are not very good. You'll want some sort of table or stand that would support the bottom rim of the tank. I'd also recommend removing the smaller rocks from the tank. They pose an ingestion problem but will also trap a ton of waste and debris. If your filter has carbon in it, you can ditch the Reptisafe.

[4acae86]

I've actually pulled the pebbles and got a slightly larger filter for now. I've been reading this forum for a couple of days and it has been quite helpful. I wanted to add more water to the tank, but it has a huge hole in the side for a filter. My mission this weekend will be moving the aquarium into my room where I have a dresser that is much wider. I live in earthquake country and am nervous having poor little Tama Chan on something that can fall over.

I also got a basking light that I will be setting up this weekend as I noticed that she won't really leave the water and go onto the floating rock (which I think is also too small). I'm hoping she will be ok for a little longer in that tank. I think she is still scared I am going to eat her as she won't swim around too much if I am in direct eyesight of her.

[steve]

Yes, she will need a basking lamp to have some warmth that will entice her. Thats also the best place to put a UVB lamp, since they can't absorb any through water. If earthquakes are something to consider, then a pond or stock tank will be the way to go.

[4acae86]

Tanks are all I can do for now unless I move. Currently living in an apartment, so I will most likely be strapping the table and tank to the wall for security. Unless I put a pond in the back of my pickup (not running ) but there are too many cats in the neighborhood and I would be afraid of her becoming kitten kibble. I also got a UVB light so she should be all good.

[Kansasslider]

Welcome! I'm not a fan of river rock! Sand baby Sand! I like sand and many others like it as well. I think Steve is just scared of change? He is old as we all know

[steve]

LOL, I'm old? Should I take a poll on my approximate age

The pond or stock tank can be used indoors. If outdoors, a stock tank is a bit easier to protect.

[Kansasslider]

A poll? That might be fun. btw I was just kidding.

[steve]

Yeah, I thought it was funny