Habitat - Indoor :: Tank Setup

[Emily]

Today I went to Petsmart, got a 20gal long tank, a clamp lamp that will provide a basking light, a bulb for it, a ramp for the turtles to come out of the water, and some small turtle food. That way I wouldn't have to worry about it when I go to get some small guppies. Do babies eat guppies? I read that they are highly carnivorous when young.

[jenaero]

I'm not sure if you may have mentioned it in another post, but make sure you have a uvb bulb too.

Babies will eat guppies. It's great for exercise too.

[Emily]

great I'll be getting some guppies too. I have a UVB bulb already. Thanks for the mention though.

[Emily]

Okay, I have my tank setup with the light, filter, dock, and have a hidey space on the bottom. The Tank is 20gals, and I have it half way filled, will that be good for two 1inch turtles?

[Az^FolkSinger]

I would recommend filling the tank up to 3/4, rule of thumb is 10 gals per inch of turt. Pics would also help also I would have some water type plants either real or fake or both setup through out the tank for them to rest on as they swim

[daredevilgirl013]

Mine is a two gallon long tank, the pictures are in the picture section of the board and look for anything with Michelangelo in the title to give you an idea on what you need and how big to fill it up. I kept my water at least three inches below the top, that way even if he stretched for all it was worth he couldn't get out.

[Emily]

Thank you everyone. I'm really nervous about getting them. A lady at the petstore told me that usually 1 out of 2 babies don't make it. She seemed really knowledgeable, but she also didn't know about UVB lighting. I don't know what to believe. Is it true about the babies not making it like that? I'm getting the babies today and I'm so excited.

[jenaero]

It's probably true for a lot of people who don't bother to search for care info. Those are usually the same people who will keep them in Death Bowls. With the proper setup, yours should be fine unless they arrive already sick.

[Emily]

Actually she was the one who recommended I get a 20 gal long. I asked her between a 20 gal and a 10 gal, and she said the 20, and she told me that I needed 10 gals per 1 inch.

[ellman605]

wow! the first smart pet store person i've ever heard of, its unbelievable, its astounding!!! she needs a nobel prize for that

[Emily]

lol, i know what you mean, but she told us that she has a hoard of pets herself. So, I think she knows a bit. She said that her son got a snake and it cost $150 to set it up, and about $70 more for the snake so i think she knows what she's doing.