New Turtle?

Question

I just got a new red ear slider. Right Now i got a 10 gallon tank, turtle food, a water filter, something so it can be on land, water and air thermometers, and i clamp lamp. is there anything else i need for him?

Answer 1

I'd recommend a few things.. I have had red eared sliders since 2000.

Firstly, be aware that red eared sliders grow up to 12" in diameter... so they're not small once they get older. He'll need a 20 gallon tank in about 18 months..

Get him a cuttle fish bone.. it's important they have lots of calcium.. I try to keep one in his tank most of the time.

I recommend eheim filters since you dont have to change them that often.. I clean the filter about every 6 months. I have the eheim 2217 which is designed for a 150 gallon tank.. I know it sounds like overkill but turtles are really really dirty. Basically you want to buy the biggest filter you can afford, because it means you dont have to clean the water as much-- plus it's nicer for the turtle.

I'd also recommend instead of getting just 1 heat lamp, get 2 things... get a heat lamp with a ceramic bulb, and then get a florescent reptile bulb. The florescent bulbs provide better quality UV light for the turtle and the heat lamp will keep him warm and dry.

I have a heater which I keep set to 76 degrees and a screen cover for the top.. (I cut half the screen off so I can feed him more easily.)

Also there seems to be alot of debate about how much water to give them.. Most sites you'll see say to fill the tank as high as you can without giving the turtle enough that he can just climb out of the tank.. Remember that RES in the wild are aquatic and spend most of their time either basking or swimming..

As a baby, they'll start as carnivores but as they get older you should add more and more vegetables.. I try to vary the diet, and tend to feed him whatever vegetables we're eating for dinner...

And finally DO NOT FEED HIM BROCCOLI... Broccoli is extremely bad for turtles.. Members of the brassica family (Cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli, bok-choi, and kohlrabi) can be problematic if overused, because excessive amounts of these plants contribute to kidney disease and goiter. Turnips, soybeans, radishes, rapeseed, and mustard also contain goitrogens. These should not play a large role in the diet. However, the addition of cuttlebone and/or kelp to the diet may reverse the goitrogenic effect of the brassicas.

Answer 2

You already have more then you need. You don't need a heater for sure as long as you keep the water room temperature and have somewhere (like an insulated window) for your new pet to get plenty of sunlight and no drafts. RES are great pets, I have 3, two more on the way and have had countless "rescues" in the past. By the way, if you weren't aware, they should not be eating this time of year, so don't waste your food and dirty your tank needlessly.

Answer 3

The turtle will go to fit the tank! Not fill it but just enough to fit into it's environment. Make sure you have a good filter system because they dirty it up really quickly. Oh and don't be alarmed if you bits of shell in the tank from time time, they shed as they grow as well. Best of luck!

Answer 4

you're pretty much set for just 1 turtle. he/she would do better with a friend but its not necessary. Turtles are really easy to take care of except for how dirty they get. But honestly they really don't care. in the wild they swim and eat and sleep in their own crap..its instinct. i think you're gonna have yourself a happy little turtle once the setups done. Good Luck!

Answer 5

Make sure you wash your hands after handeliing him. Turtles carry bacteria that can make you sick.

Also keep in mind it will quickly out grow that home, and they can live for up to 20 years

Answer 6

The turtles headed all the way down.

Answer 7

Get him some live insects now and then. Sounds like he has a good setup. Always wash your hands after handling, because they can carry salmonella. He might also like a buddy, if you can find one.

Answer 8

The only thing is a mate.