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I have 2 new babies about 2inches long in their new 40gal tank.

I just bought a water heater today. How do you protect the turtles from touching the submersible heater? I was thinking of just getting some wire mesh to go around it.

Also, I only have about 9 gallons of water in this tank. If they stand on their tip toes their noses just poke out of the water. Is that enough water?

I suggest to put in more water, they love to swim and should be offered as much swimming space as possible without the risk of escaping
I don't use a guard for my heater. You don't necessarily need a wire mesh (i don't think you should even put it in there)

Wire mesh could be dangerous in itself?

I don't have a guard and I have never had any problem before.

exactly what I was thinking.. if you're trying to protect them from getting shocked.. metal in water isn't the best way to do it. They sell protectors for heaters but I'm not sure what the brand name is, you could do a search in the forum to see or check the main site under heating.

If you've got 9 gallons in a 40 gallon tank, you should start thinking about adding about 25 more gallons into that tank...especially if you have RES hatchlings. Mine were about 1" when I put them in their new tank, and they were fine in a 60 gallon filled almost all the way up. Make it just low enough so they can't escape. What are you using for a basking area? Filter? Lighting?

Rule of thumb - fill up water to about 3/4 of the tank, leaving the rest up to the basking dock

If your heater is glass and your turtle is rough or if you have rocks in there, a heater guard can offer protection against breakage (but so can a stainless of titanium heater). I do use guards and I like them for the protection they give.

Where did that "rule of thumb" come from?

I've read that a couple of times, to fill it up to 3/4 by numerous turtle owners. Thought it would fit into the category
And it is true though, to fill it up 3/4 of the tank (to the most)

3/4 is not nearly enough for my turts. I'm at like 7/8... I think as long as they can't climb out, it's high enough. I guess it would depend on the size/breed of turt.

True. And also the container to some extent.

I've never had any problems with my turts bugging the heater. They huddle against it at night sometimes though.

Hi all. I'm a newbie here. I have a red ear slider and I just have a lamp to use for a heater. Is that not good enough? He was about the size of a quater when I got him and now (2 years later) he's huge!!!! He also seems very healthy, but I don't want him to be uncomfortable. So, basically, should I get an immersible heater?

Skymom...what are your basking & water temperatures? What part of the world are you in?

skymom - here are basic requirements, please download it, read it and print it out if you have too.

http://www.redearslider.com/res-guide.pdf

Boy, do I feel like a bad turtle mom but I don't know the temperatures. I'm in the northeastern part of the country. The water is pretty cool, not cold, but cool and the basking area is really warm.

He seems to be fine, he loves to bask on his rock. I just got another turtle tonight. She's a Florida Peninsula Cooter I think. The pet store guy said she'd get along with my red ear slider just fine. I felt bad because he never had the company of another turtle. It's been interesting watching them interact. Well, the whole point of this is I wonder if she needs it to be warmer also.

Thanks for any help you can give me.