Page 1 of 1

Worried about my turtles...

PostPosted: Thu Jun 18, 2009 12:48 am
by Gosu
I just got 2 res about... 3 days ago. I only had a 10 gal tank, filled only a bit of it because I don't have a dock or a big enough rock... I also know its too small for 2 4 inches turtles but I'm going to need to stick with that for a month or 2... is that okay?

I just bought a filter and a UVB light and have a some important questions!

I wasn't able to get them some basking docks from Zoo Med because I was too busy and I forgot. I'm planning to go to Petco and get 2 basking Zoo Med docks for them !

This is what I'm concerned...

Not able to bask for 4 days... is that okay?

One turtle doesn't eat that much, but he does eat some carrots and the ReptoMin Baby Shrimp. He also keeps running towards the glass ...

How do I get them to eat some lettuce instead of baby shrimp, and I'm especially worried about the turtle that doesn't eat a lot.

On the site, it says to put some pellets in the canned tuna and let them eat it, I was worried and I just wanted to know if it can touch oil or not because tuna has oil or is there specific tunas they can eat?

I am just really worried about my turtle that keeps running towards the glass, and I hope I can get some answers from you res owners that have way more experience that I do. Thanks!

Re: Worried about my turtles...

PostPosted: Thu Jun 18, 2009 1:51 am
by jozzep
Gosu wrote:I just got 2 res about... 3 days ago. I only had a 10 gal tank, filled only a bit of it because I don't have a dock or a big enough rock... I also know its too small for 2 4 inches turtles but I'm going to need to stick with that for a month or 2... is that okay?


I guess the turtles don't have a choice....try to get a bigger tank when possible.

Gosu wrote:I just bought a filter and a UVB light and have a some important questions!


You will also need a heat lamp or buy a mercury bulb that does both..

Gosu wrote:I wasn't able to get them some basking docks from Zoo Med because I was too busy and I forgot. I'm planning to go to Petco and get 2 basking Zoo Med docks for them !


You do not need 2...Just one big one,or better the biggest one that can fit in your tank and the turtles can still climb on it.


Gosu wrote:Not able to bask for 4 days... is that okay?


4 days is not a big deal...And once again do the turtles have a choice?Make sure the water temp is around 76-78...That is important.

Gosu wrote:One turtle doesn't eat that much, but he does eat some carrots and the ReptoMin Baby Shrimp. He also keeps running towards the glass ...

How do I get them to eat some lettuce instead of baby shrimp, and I'm especially worried about the turtle that doesn't eat a lot.


Shrimp should only be a treat...You need to buy turtle "pellets" it a more complete source of nutrition.If they don't eat lettuce try slicing it a bit or give them other greens till you see what they like.Spinach should be avoided.

Gosu wrote:On the site, it says to put some pellets in the canned tuna and let them eat it, I was worried and I just wanted to know if it can touch oil or not because tuna has oil or is there specific tunas they can eat?


Do not use the tuna "in oil".The oil will foul your water.use tuna "in water"

Gosu wrote:I am just really worried about my turtle that keeps running towards the glass, and I hope I can get some answers from you res owners that have way more experience that I do. Thanks!


He's not used to the glass in the tank and it's also very small...So where else can he go but against the glass??
Hope that helped cause it was a PITA quoting and unquoting lol

PostPosted: Thu Jun 18, 2009 2:24 am
by Gosu
Yeah... I really have to get a bigger tank asap.

I have a lightbulb for the heat.

I'm getting the 2 docks and the heater tommorow but also, how much water should I put in a 10 gallon tank? I know not all full of course but I need to know how much because I heard some sites says turtles should be able to breathe and be able to reach the water. My turtles need to kind of tip toe when I put the water at the 1/3 mark of 10 gallon.

What should I do?

PostPosted: Thu Jun 18, 2009 2:49 am
by Gosu
Oh YES! The turtle that eats a little lettuce and baby shrimp basked when I was taking a shower! :D

Well, time to buy some docks and let the other one bask. Man I need a bigger tank... Need to ask my parents for some allowance for a new tank.

PostPosted: Thu Jun 18, 2009 3:44 am
by tammi
Well for 2 4inch turtles you need about an 80 to 100 gallon tank. As for the water level the higher you can get it without them escaping the better.
They are great swimmers so no need to worry about them touching the bottom.