Hi! Introduce yourselves here. :: Hi. I am new here

[Kochanie]

Hi I am new to the forum. I just bought a redeared slider and I named him Jerry. I came here to learn some new tips and share my experiences. So far it has not been easy. I am constantly worried because I want to provide him with the best life. I need a bigger tank but there is no room in my house at the moment. I have a 29 gallon tank that is almost filled to the top and I have a basking area that is on top of the tank that he can climb into. He hasn't basked since I bought him home although he looks and climbs toward the area. He loves swimming and popping his head out. I hope he basks soon because I know it is important. He just started eating thanks to me reading tuna tips on here. I just want him to be happy and healthy. I plan on upgrading to a bigger tank when I move out of my house. He is a little less than 5 inches. I know he is still getting used to his new environment and it has barely been a week yet. I have to buy a new heater for his water because the one I have is made for a smaller tank and the temp is fluctuating too much. Any tips on good heaters for this size tank? Or in general to a new owner?
Thanks!

[steve]

Hi Kochanie, welcome to the forum! How does his basking area look like and are you sure he's a male?

[Kochanie]

Thanks for the warm welcome and help getting me started on here. His basking area is one I got off of amazon. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002O09MY ... SX200_QL40. He had the other turtle ledge that sticks to the wall of the tank but he would jump off everytime I put him on there. I am almost sure he is a male due to his features and several other people at the pet shop stating he was a male when I went to get him.

[steve]

Those basking areas take a bit more time for the turtle to warm up to. Make sure there is sufficient water level and there is a basking and uvb lamp. You might want to cover the sides and offer additional privacy. Have you tried luring him up there with food?

[edit-bad english]

[Kochanie]

I was thinking of that next. Everything is set up with the lamp and stuff. It has been officially one week so I hope this week he goes all the way in and not just gaze at it and slide back down. Thanks for the tip

[steve]

Have you checked the temperature yet? You might need to position the lamp closer to the ramp.

[VeipaCray]

Like Steve said temp and them feeling comfortable is a big part of them wanting to go bask. If you can get the basking temp 10 or more degrees warmer than your water temp that helps a lot.

[miiduval]

Helloooooo, I just registered and am getting a red eared slider in a couple weeks. I am VERY excited and want to be prepared.
I know the basics, like basking, diet, care, but the two questions i need answered are:

I am planning to get two babies, but am not sure wether I should get 2 males, 2 females, or 1 of each?

I also need 2 names depending on suggestions for male or female.

[Kansasslider]

I will answer your first question. You can't sex babies. If they tell you they can tell what sex they are they are lyeing. With that being said as a prospective new turtle owner I would recommend sticking with one turtle. Trust me when I say they are a hand full. I have 4 and dedicate a lot of my time to taking care of their different needs. I also might need to separate them because turtles can become aggressive. If you get a larger turtle 4"+ shell length you can pick a boy or girl. Hope that will help you decide.