redearslider.com

he believes I could learn a thing or two.. or three. lol

This is Gary and he's my red eared slider.



My son decided to con his grandmother into buying a turtle for him when my son was only 4 years old. So naturally they ignored me when I said no. For the last 5 years we've been taking care of Gary and learning so much along the way. Honestly, I'm surprised he survived, we were so green. I had no clue what I was doing. He didn't even have a full aquarium of water for the first few weeks! Thankfully I found this site and used all the info in it to get him to where he is today. So for that, Gary thanks you Turtle Talk.

I hope to learn more from the people of this forum, and hopefully talk to others who love their shelled friends as much as I do.

Welcome! Glad you could join us!

Welcome!
Yeah I got my first turtle the same way. Good ol grandparents!.
Now my son is all grown and I still have a turtle.
It's ok, he will have kids some day and guess who will inherit my gal? My grand children, of course!
Payback

Welcome GarysMom! I'm glad you have been taking care of him.

Penelope LOL!

Welcome to you both!

Can't say no to a face like that! Welcome!

thank you so much for the warm welcome
I'll have to remember to make this forum part of my regular rounds on the internet.
I'm actually needing to find some advice on lighting so i'm gonna search around. if any of you have suggestions on where i should start looking please let me know. ^_^

I've read the webpage about lighting already, so i'm just wondering about brands and set up guidance.

You basically have 2 routes... a fluorescent + basking bulb or a self ballasted MVB.

I think PowerSun is the only decent MVB out there right now, and you will have lots of choices for fluorescents. With those, you basically need to decide if you want a tube or compact, which will fit into standard round light sockets.

well my set up isn't big enough for an MVB so i think i'll go with a combo of a fluorescent and a compact. should i make a thread asking for brand advice?
i'm also wondering what the best set up is as far as light placement and types of domes or fixtures. i'm looking for ideas on the best way to set up for his dock.

Compact fluorescent UVB look similar to energy efficient bulbs. Reptiglo and Reptisun 5.0 are the most popular ones. They will fit into any standard light fixture or clamp dome. For the basking light, a regular incandescent will work, though I prefer a splash-proof bulb like an outdoor halogen or TurtleTuff bulb. Since the basking bulb produces a lot of hear, make sure the socket is ceramic. Zoo Med is pretty popular with their domes and offer a combo one too. There a couple of other Reptile product companies that make similar stuff... like Exo Terra, Zilla and Fluker.

These bulbs need to be positioned over the basking area... usually around 10"-12" above it. Use a timer to turn it off and on will make things easier and make sure these (and other aquarium equipment) all go into a GFCI outlet.

What Steve said....
You will know the bulb is doing the trick for heat by getting a cheap thermometer from the lizard section. Stick it on the side of the basking area where the lights are. Not a perfect science, but reassuring enough.
As for the UVB, the only way to know it is doing its job is if it is on (we have to trust the manufacture). Some say change the bulb every 6 months, others say once a year. I just mark my calendar and change them every six months.
When setting it up you can wait until dark them turn each light on separately. Just adjust until they both focus on the area where Gary basks.
Gary sounds like a lucky guy!

Thanks so much for all the information!! I made my order today and he'll have his new light set up by wednesday.

Wooo woooo!
Nothing like getting new stuf in the mail!
Don't forget to post pics... Just for fun
Maybe post them in the indoor habitat forum so the members there can check them out too.