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Introducing New Tank Mates

PostPosted: Sun Apr 01, 2007 7:24 pm
by Blue Flamingo
What is a general reaction (healthy for the new turts) of the old turtle when you are introducing new tank mates? Do they need to establish dominance over them or anything like that? Is there anything that I should be looking out for? Should I take it out at any sign of aggression (fluttering and such)? What has been your guy's experiance with this?

PostPosted: Sun Apr 01, 2007 8:14 pm
by grey goose
Putting two babies in with a 1 year old could be risky. If you are going to try it, watch them very closely......
There is a thread about this in the photo section:

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8595

PostPosted: Sun Apr 01, 2007 11:22 pm
by megcornell
How large is your tank? And are the places the turtles can just get away from each other in the tank. Its good if the turtles aren't always in each other's line of vision.

PostPosted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 1:49 am
by Blue Flamingo
The tank is 55 gallons, there is some floating plants that they can hide in.

PostPosted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 12:26 pm
by megcornell
That tank really isn't very big for three turtles- I'd argue that in fact it's too small. And adding turtles to a cramped situation will lead to aggression and probably injury to the tiny ones as there's no way that they can match the strength of the 1 year old.
In short, I'd get a larger tank or considering keeping at least two separate tanks.

PostPosted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 8:21 pm
by steve
The main thing about adding new turtles, aside from an initial quarantine, is that you be able to support them in different tanks if they don't get along. A plan to re-home one is also something to consider. I wish there were a simple way to make all of the cohabitants happy.

PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 1:50 am
by Blue Flamingo
Okay. The babies are in a separate tank for now I just wanted to see if they could co-inhabit. But I was going to wait until they got a little bigger.

PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 4:12 pm
by yertle_the_girl_turtle
Can you post a picture of your 3 turtles?

PostPosted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 12:35 am
by Blue Flamingo
Here's a link to some pics that I've posted before.

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... light=ivan

PostPosted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 12:48 am
by yertle_the_girl_turtle
They're adorable!

PostPosted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 11:19 am
by Blue Flamingo
Thanks!!

PostPosted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 1:57 pm
by MrRedmanbhs
I had success when introducing new tank mates. I had a 1 year old and introduced a new hatchling. What I did was completed redecorated the tank and moved the basking area around so it had no resembling of its previous design, thinking that the older turt wouldn't be territorial in a "new" territory. Also, I bought one of those cheap tank seperators and did keep them seperate for a few weeks, and at least once a day put the turts together while I kept an eye on them. After a few weeks I took out the divider and then rearranged the tank again and have not had an problems what so ever in the 7 months they have been together.