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I am new to the indoor turtle world. I have a 1 acre natural pond in the yard and many turtles live there that require no care from me. I received a RES as a Christmas present from my son this year. Soon after (like the next day) I upgraded the tank from 10 to 30 gallons, bought a 3 light hood, (UV, Flourescent, and a night light), a "Duetto 100 submersible filter (90 gph rating), a heater and an air stone. The water level of the tank is ~half full and the filter runs 24/7. Without the submersible heater, the temp drops to ~ 72 - 74 at night and raises to 76 - 78F during the day. The heater that I bought will raise the temp ~ 10 degrees. Should i turn it on or are those temps acceptable? Additionally, how ofen should i replace the water ( all or partially) and clean the filter? Please advise.
Thanks very much!
George and Lucy.

I change most of my water each week because turtles eat, urinate, and take poops in this water. The Duettos are good, but I upgraded to a fluval 4 plus and they are by far better. Don't get me wrong, Duettos are good filters, but Fluvals are better. I keep my turtles in a 30 gallon tank and hopefully upgrade to a 55 gallon or better tank soon. I use my heater all the time to keep the water at 80° all the time and keep the basking area a few degrees higher.

Do you use a water conditioner and/or waste degrader? I use both because it helps out with keeping the water clean. I use Repto-safe water conditioner and Turtle Clean.

Hope that helps!! Best wishes with your new turtle.

Oh, I forgot to tell you, when I do water changes/ clean the tank....I ALWAYS clean the filter, too. It doesn't make sense to change the water and not clean the filter. That's just me!! =)

Doesn't your heater have a thermostat? For little hatchlings, the temperature should be more constant and a bit warmer - at around 78 degrees all the time. Here's a a good guide to temperature and also water quality:

http://www.redearslider.com/index_water_quality.html#x

thanks for the quick replies. i am inclined to change the water weekly, but since Lucy is new to this environment, i was afraid to cause too much stress by changing this water and disrupting her. She is timid and immediately hides when i approach her tank. when she is basking i need to tip toe around her, and try not to startle her.

You're doing good! Yes, when they are little and new, they need some peace and quiet and privacy. When she gets used to her new home (and you) you won't have to be so careful. But it's more critical to have clean water - dirty water will make her sick and that's the most stressful experience of all.

When you're cleaning the tank you can put her in a tub or bowl and cover it with a towel so it's dark and hopefully she'll go to sleep. Put a towel on the bottom too so she'll have something to hide under if she wants it.

well thanks again. guess her tank will be cleaned today.....