i have a red eared slider it wont eat & i tried different food 2 and hes aquatic i have 2 heat lamps. HELP PLZ

Question

should i leave them on at night?

Answer 1

Not only does he need a heat lamp, but you need to check the temperature on the basking spot. It should be in the 95F range. Too hot or too cold will cause illness. Also, do you have a reptile UVB bulb within 12 inches of the basking spot? A must for healthy turtles. What is the water temp? You must have a water heater for RES, as well as a powerful water filter. Change the water frequently as the filter does not remove ammonia buildup. And make sure his tank is at least 10 gallons for every inch of shell length. If all these conditions are met, you'll rarely have problesms. Oh, and make sure you don't use gravel or other substrate at the bottom--turtles will often eat these and become fatally impacted. And no, never leave white lights on at night--it disturbs their natural day/night rhythms. Heat and UVB on for about 12 hours a day, dark and cool at night. Check here for complete info:


http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-red_ear_slider.htm

Answer 2

Does he have a rock to rest on?I leave my heat lamp on during the day only. I have two red eared sliders(for 2 plus years) and I have find them very easy to care for. Have you tried feeder fish from the pet store? Or aquatic plants? Mine eat reptomin stick food, I break it in pieces and they love the reptomin treats too. Check out his website
http://www.turtlecare.net/

Answer 3

you should need only one heat lamp. get a basking light and dock. the temperature has to be about 75-80 degrees.

Answer 4

Don't bake the poor turtle. . .he is semi-aquatic as well, give the turtle some time from the light. Not too hot or too cold. KimbeeJ is right too.

Answer 5

give it goldfish!!! they love love to have to chase them and when they katch one, they have to eat it!