Urgent Care :: floating and not eating

[RyanJ]

As far as I've seen, the very least he needs is a UVB light, a basking area that's easy to get onto and not rough on his underbelly, and a suitable size tank (10 gallons for every shell inch is the general rule). The basking area should have a temp of 90, and the water should be between 78-81.

When he swims, does he tilt sideways? Has he made any gasping noises? What kind of variety does his diet have? I'd also guess he has a RI, which needs veterinary treatment ASAP. The longer it is allowed to progress, the less likely the recovery.

[chocoboridley]

Ok, you need to get a basking dock, and a UVB bulb. I dont think that a few hours on weekends is good enough. Also, you said that you DONT have a water heater before. Unless you got one super recent, you need to make sure you do get one.

He really needs some way to get out of the water completely. It is essential for shell health.

Also, what does "medium" mean? How about a size in gallons.

You could try feeding him something other than reptomin. You could try some veggies.

i put a water heater in the tank he was swimming for awhile but i notice he started to freeze not doing anything then bitting on the filter but he froze not doing anything he swam again when i got up to check on him he died.

[bradmeisel]

i'm sorry to hear. poor little turtle

[Karl]

oh that's terrible, chocoboridley. if feel so sorry for you and your turtle:( you probably couldn't have done much, as it was a serious trauma, so don't blame yourself.

[ESG4Life]

its not your fault. you tried to help by posting here and obviously tried to help your turtle. i'm soo sorry for your loss.

[chocoboridley]

i might new pet turtle (bigger one) i have heard they are easier to take care of.

[ESG4Life]

If you get a bigger turtle you will need a bigger tank and a proper basking area as well as a heater and thermometer.

[papoopeepoo]

Sorry about your loss, but don't get another turtle until you are totally prepared to take care of him in every aspect.

[chocoboridley]

If you get a bigger turtle you will need a bigger tank and a proper basking area as well as a heater and thermometer.

i have the supplies for it

[ESG4Life]

That's good. and like pa-poo said, make sure you are emotionally ready as well as supply ready for another turtle.

[Hatchling71]

You probably shouldn't get another turtle until you know how to take care of them. They need as big a tank as possible, a UVB light, a heat light, a thermometer, a water heater, a filter, a basking area (such as a turtle dock (petsmart or petco)), please do your research before getting another. This website gives a lot of good information on them so I'd read up on that. Turtles bask most of the day, taking a turtle outside on the weekends isn't even close to good enough. I'm not trying to sound like a jerk but I care a lot about animals and I want to do everything I can not to let one suffer. I know it was an accident but don't get another one until you know what you're doing. The people at the petstore don't know anything about turtles. Trust me. How big is the tank you want to put a new turtle in?

[marisa]

Hatchling71 is giving you some sound advice. It would be good if you took it to heart...

[bradmeisel]

I, unfortunately, agree with Hatchling71 also. A bigger needs bigger tanks, filters, platforms etc... They are more costly to have.

If you consider another turtle, please, ask for advice or read up on basic care. Remember, "you become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed."