Other Turtle Discussion :: NEW TURTLE OWNER....i need help and advice please!

[turnle223]

I have two red eared sliders. They are approximately 6 months (no older than that). I have them in a 10 gallon tank about halfway filled with water and then some land they can dry off and bask in (they have a lamp). Here are some questions I have!

- Will my turtles drown?!?!? How much water should a 10 gallon tank be filled with that is the most suitable for them?

- Do they need an air pump in the water?

- If they already have a basking lamp, do they need the UVB lights too?

- Can they figure out how to get up on the land by themselves?? (I have a platform suctioned to the side of the tank that is partially dipped into the water for them to be able to climb up onto, but I haven't seen them climb up at all...they prefer to stay in the water...is that normal or will they drown!?)

- Is there any other piece of advice that anyone can give a rookie turtle owner?!?

Any and all help is super appreciated!!! Thank you!!!!!!

[TammiT]

First off you needed to know that they will out grow the 10 gallon very quickly. so you will need to get a much larger tank for two turtles. Genral rule is 10 gallons for every inch of shell. So keep your eyes open for a much larger one.

Will my turtles drown?!?!? How much water should a 10 gallon tank be filled with that is the most suitable for them?
They are water turtles so no they will not drown unless they get trapped underwater. Fill it with as much water as you can with out them escaping out the top. You do not need land in the tank just aplace they can come out and bask under a uvb and heat bulb.

Do they need an air pump in the water?
No they are air breathers and will surface to breath. But mine like to play in the bubbles.

If they already have a basking lamp, do they need the UVB lights too?
Yes it helps them metabolize vitiams and minerals from the foods they eat. And helps with their shell.

Can they figure out how to get up on the land by themselves?? (I have a platform suctioned to the side of the tank that is partially dipped into the water for them to be able to climb up onto, but I haven't seen them climb up at all...they prefer to stay in the water...is that normal or will they drown!?)
Yes they can. RES are skitish by nature. I've had mine a long time and I rarely see them basking and when I do the jump off as soon as they see me.

Is there any other piece of advice that anyone can give a rookie turtle owner?!?
The bigger the tank the better. Save yourself a lot of work and get a big canister filter. ANd don't over feed no matter how much they beg and they will.

Good luck!

[bigG]

If you follow TammiT's advice, you will save yourself time and trouble. I have found this website informative and lifesaving. Turtles also have individual personalities and habits. My two RES (male and female) get along very well and compliment each other. However, always remember to enjoy them like children because they grow up fast.

[turnle223]

Thanks guys! I feel that I have everything under control except that I will need a bigger tank...but one more question...if I get a bigger tank...does that mean I will have to get new supplies such as a bigger filter, water heater or lamp?

Also, does anyone know where I can find a reasonably priced UVB lamp?!

Thanks!

[steve]

That depends on the size of the upgrade. Certain things can be re-used, others will need replacement -- usually the filter. As for UVB lamps, it will depend on the type and the brand.

[turnle223]

Thanks for your help, everyone!! I have another question...do turtles shed their skins? Flaky stuff is coming off my turtles...what is it!?

[vear]

Yes, they shed both skin and scutes. They shed more skin at warmer temperatures.

[Ranger The Red Ear Slider]

Yeah I noticed my RES would shed his skin non stop when I had his water at 80-82 so I lowered it to 76-78 and he doesn't do it has much now.