I have a small red eared slider and the pet store recommended a turtle block (white chalky block that disolves in water). I did put it in. Will I have to add one with every water change? At $2+ dollar a block this could get expensive.
Is this just to make the water alkaline or is it mostly to add calcium to the water. If my water is alkaline enough, do I need one?
2006-11-07 05:46:28 · 6 answers · asked by joeanonymous 6 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
The turtle is in a five gal. aquarium with a submersible power filter.
2006-11-07 05:47:36 · update #1
I would say that it is not necessary, however it is a good idea. You are right, that is an expensive item to replace often, so don't replace it every time. My turtles that I have had for 5 years have done just fine without blocks. Now they will need calcium which they can get through sunbathing. If you give it a UVA/UVB light bulb and some vitamin supplement they will do fine without the blocks. the vitamin supplement can be added in small amounts to their food. Some other tips for keeping it healthy would be to find him another, larger tank. 10-20 gallons should do for now. Also varying it's diet is very good for them. Try buying it some feeder fish. They can be purchased at the pet store for 5-10 cents a piece. I hope I have helped, good luck and I hope your turtle lives a long healthy life.
2006-11-07 13:34:27 · answer #1 · answered by codie_m_91 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
id say yes i have 3 of em in a pond set up and it adds calcium to the water to maintain a healthy level in the water also you should keep a UVB light on the turtle as they require it
2006-11-07 13:55:50 · answer #2 · answered by parlordawg20 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They don't need it but its just a little something extra to help their health. You don't need to add one every water change either only when it completely dissolves and like I said its just something extra so you really don't need it at all. I hope you plan on upgrading its home, they need 10 gallons per inch of shell so if it's bigger then half an inch then you are already overstocked.
2006-11-07 14:03:27 · answer #3 · answered by Nunya Biznis 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the turtle has to be at least a 40+ tank!! but just keep the tank clean.clean it every week if that! but you do not need a "turtle block"
GOOD LUCK :)
2006-11-07 16:58:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, just keep the tank as clean as possible and you will ahve to get a bigger tank and a very good filter.
2006-11-07 15:23:13 · answer #5 · answered by blu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have to admit....turtles live in swamps and ponds....i have 2 turtles....i have never used those...im sure i cant hurt but i have had one of mine 12 yrs and she has done just fine without it
2006-11-07 13:50:25 · answer #6 · answered by turtle girl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋