im asking all these qustoins because i want to know about the tank.My turtle doesent have a basking ariea,a filter and a small tank.Im afraid i dont have the right stuff for a heathy water turtle.Can you help me?
2007-07-04 15:40:54 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
He should be okay in a 5 gallon but I recommend at least a 10 gallon. You definitely need a filter. If not, you should change the water every other day. If you don't have a basking area the water should only be a couple inches deep so he doesn't have to constantly swim.
2007-07-04 15:55:59 · answer #1 · answered by demure_143 3 · 1⤊ 4⤋
I am sorry to agree with you- you are not providing a habitat for a healthy, happy turtle.
The bad news is that upgrading is going to cost you. The good news is that once you get things set up right, it pretty much runs itself with a lot less work.
We start with a big tank. The rule of thumb is at least 10 gallons of water per inch of shell length. Bigger is better- big tanks keep clean longer, and offer more security to the turtles. It is also important to look ahead. It is not smart to just keep buying supplies over and over. Find out the adult size of the turtle and plan ahead for that.
You can save money here by using large plastic tubs instead of glass aquaria.
A good filter is absolutely important for both you and the turtle. It keeps toxins and germs from growing in the water, reducing stress, odor, and complications. The sites listed below discuss good filters. Unfortunately, a good filter for a turtle tank will run about $75+.
You will need to find a way to control heat, so it has a steady 75-80F temp, and you'll need good lighting.
No basking site? PLEASE fix that ASAP- turtles have to be able to get out of the water.
For more ideas, try
- http://www.austinsturtlepage.com
- http://www.redearslider.com
It is my belief that if you get a pet, you owe it to the pet to offer it the best possible care, and that cost is not really a good reason to break this deal. However, a lot of people believe the stuff that bad pet shops or misinformed people tell them about turtle care.
So, if you have found yourself with a pet you cannot care for, you might try returning it to the pet shop or finding another home for it.
2007-07-05 00:07:07 · answer #2 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will live, but it's a poor life. It's equivalent of Harry Poter living in a closet.
Your turtle need to be a in at least a 40 gallon tank with as much water as possible. Water turtles are excellent swimmers and you will NEED a basking area for it to come out to dry off and bask. Staying in the water all the time will cause shell rot and not allow the turtle to thermoregulate.
A filter is great to have, without it, you'll be changing water every day or two.
A good guide for the size of tank is for every inch of turtle shell (striaght length without curve) you should provide it at least 10 gallons of swimming water. The more the better.
Your turtle is growing and 40G tank filled to the top is OK for today, but in a year, you'll need at leasta 75G, cause you don't always fill it to the top.
2007-07-04 23:53:41 · answer #3 · answered by Mackay 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the turtle is four inches wide it needs more than a 5gallon. The tank needs to be twice as deep as they are wide. They need special lights, a basking spot, filtration.
For the sake of that poor turtle, invest in even a basic turtle care book.
2007-07-04 22:56:42 · answer #4 · answered by Sugarshots 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have 4 Turtles
2 in a 75 gallon 4 and 2 years olds
1 in a 35 3 years old
and 1 in a 5 month old...
2007-07-05 03:54:27 · answer #5 · answered by hellfire_69_299 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Or just look it up on the internet. There are alot of good sites out there!!
2007-07-04 23:37:17 · answer #6 · answered by AnimalManiac 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it would be better off/ less stressed if you have a bigger tank. go for a 20-gallon.
2007-07-05 00:15:48 · answer #7 · answered by Marie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋