What do i need to buy so i can get some turtles???

Question

i need a supplie list please help.

i live around the corner from a "Big Al's Aquarium Services Store" so i can find anything you suggest!

Answer 1

It will depend largely on what species of turtle you are getting. I will give you the basics for most species of land and semiaquatic turtles but adjustments will need to be made and things added for different turtles. Everything I am listing is a nessecity for every type of land or semi aquatic turtle, I will also put some care guides at the bottom. Good Luck

Land Turtles

*At least a 40 breeder or 55 gallon tank- turtles need a lot of room to move around and this way they will not grow out of the tank

*Full Spectrum lighting- if it is at tortoise at least 8% UVB if it is a box turtle or other woodsy turtle 5% is fine. This is VERY important for turtles.

*Basking light- wattage will depend on the type of turtle you get and also how cold your house gets

*Thermometer and Humidity gauge I would go digital with this because they are much more accurate and they usually have probes so you can check the warm side of the tank and the cool side withouut having to buy two thermometers

*Water conditioner never use tap water without using this, if you use bottled water or have well water you wont need it, this includes for his/her bath.

*Food and water dishes You will want a water dish low enough and large enough for him/her to climb inside of; For the food dish something with low sides is fine.

*Substrate I prefer cage carpet because it is easy to clean and you dont get problems with mites in the bedding, the turtle accidently eating the bedding etc.

*A; hiding place to feel secure, this can be commercially bought or you can use a shoe box.

*Supplements A calcium phosphorous supplement that has vitamin a in it is very important it should be dusted over their food at least two to three times a week.

*Food It depends on the type of turtle whatever you are feeding live food, fruits and veggies etc. Try to offer pellets as well.

Aquatic Turtles

*At least a 40 breeder or 55 gallon tank- turtles need a lot of room to move around and the larger the tank the easier it is to keep the water quality good.. This is really a minimum size for two semi aquatic turtles I would personally recommend going even larger.

*Full Spectrum lighting- At least 5% UVB This is VERY important for turtles.

*Basking light- wattage will depend on the type of turtle you get and also how cold your house gets

*Thermometer and Humidity gauge I would go digital with this because they are much more accurate and they usually have probes so you can check the warm side of the tank and the cool side withouut having to buy two thermometers. If the digital will not monitor your water temp you will want a water thermometer as well.

*Water conditioner never use tap water without using this, if you use bottled water or have well water you may not need it but its a good idea to use it anyway just in case

*Strong water filter I would reccomend a canister filter and an undergravel filter to keep the water clean, turtles are very very messy.

*Submersible heater to keep the water temperature up.

*Water test strips these are not a total nessecity because you can generally take your water into a local pet store and have them test it for free but it is a little more convienient to have your own

*Basking spot - this can be created with gravel or you can buy a basking ledge

*Gravel the general rule of thumb for gravel is a pound of gravel per gallon (example 55 gallon tank will need 55 pounds of gravel)

*Supplements A calcium phosphorous supplement that has vitamin a in it is very important it should be dusted over their food at least two to three times a week. unless giving fish of course

*Food It depends on the type of turtle whatever you are feeding live food, fruits and veggies etc. Try to offer pellets as well.

http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/res.html
http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html
http://boxturtlesite.org/
http://www.anapsid.org/box.html

Answer 2

First, before you get turtles get a good book on them. Seriouly. I work in a vet clinic and 9/10 of the turtles we see have problems due to people not knowing how to properly care for them. All our vets do not recommend turtles as pets since they can require a lot to be healthy. But if you still want them, please do some reading first, your future turtle will thank you!

Answer 3

DO NOT buy or even touch small turtles with a shell less than 6" in diameter. For one it's illegal to sell or own them, as they are a public "HEALTH HAZARD" most of them can carry "Salmonella" is is capable of killing anyone. For larger turtles you will need at minimum a medium to large tank. They need room both wet and dry. Try to mimic their natural enviroment. And keep it clean, with a filter for the water.

Answer 4

Hey,.. Tammy

you can start with used fish tank, in good condition,..the decore is up to you, u can add Gravel, not from out doors but , from your near by pet shop, they will have great ideas for you.

Answer 5

Anti-bacterial soap