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First off I would like to say hi to everyone because I just signed up for this forum....ok i would like to know the set-up for my turtle.He/she is about 1.5 big..here is what i got so far...
1.55 gallon tank
2.i need to know what filter i should get and the size of it
3.I need to know the watts of the heating bulb
4. i need to know the watts of the lighting bulb
5.I need to know the temp for the tank
6. i need to know what kind of tank heater i need
7. i need to know if i can feed it fish yet...
8. what kind of live pics
9. also any unique ways any of you have set up your docking stations.

thank you so much for any answers, i have been reading around but would like to hear from someone who actually owns one. like i said before all i have is the 55 gallon tank and i would like to be set up by this weekend because all he is in now is what i bought him in.thank you again

a 55 gal tank is a good start! I'll answer your questions by number

2. get a filter that is rated for at least 2x the size of your tank. sizes and prices will vary

3. the heating and lighting bulb are the same. you can use a standard household bulb for heat and light. Move it closer or further from the basking spot til you get the temp right.

4. also buy a UVB bulb

5. water temp should be 76-78 for hatchlings, 75 for older turts. Basking temp should be at least 10 degrees warmer than the water.

6. i just bought the cheapest water heater I could find and it works well.

7. You can feed it fish but use rosy red minnows or guppies. Stay away from goldfish because they're high in fat and not much nutrition to them

8. huh? i don't get the question

9. I have a zoo med turtle dock. Found mine at petsmart. suctions to the side of tank.

Also, you might want to decorate your turt's home a bit. Use large river rocks for the bottom (do NOT use gravel because he'll eat it). I have a few plastic plants suctioned to the side of my tank. I also had a reptile cave in there til they outgrew it.

Just do what you can to make it interesting for him .

Oh, and welcome to the site

Hi and Welcome to Turtle Talk. First, have you read any of the information on the main website? If not, you can find it here.

http://www.redearslider.com

Most of the questions you have asked are subjective questions and based on what each individual prefers so for each person who responds, you'll get a diffrent answer. So without stating my preferences.. I can give you the general guidelines.

1. Great sized tank for a starter
2. You need a filter that is rated for 2-3x's the size of your tank. Which means one rated for 100-150 gallon tank. The ratings on filters are meant for fish that don't have a heavy waste load like turtles.
3. You need a heat light that is going to produce enough heat to maintain the basking area around 88-90 degrees. You can use a regular household bulb for this.
4. If you're talking about a UVB bulb.. 7-10% UVB is a good starting place. You can find these in most petstores and online pet sites.
5. The water temp for a hatchling should be 78 degrees older turtles 72-75.. basking temps around 10 degrees higher or 88-90.
6. You need a heater that is submersible and rated for your size tank. I believe a 200watt heater would be suitable for your sized tank. They are the same heaters you'd use for a fish tank.
7. You can offer feeder fish but they aren't necessary.
8. I'm not sure what you mean by live pics, but I'm going to assume you mean plants instead You can offer most any, if not all, aquatic plants found in a petstore.
9. As for unique ways people set up their basking area, you can look at the photo gallery and check those out. It's easier that way

Check out the download sections for what to feed and guidelines for setting up your tank and the basic needs. Hope this has helped some.

http://www.redearslider.com/index_download.html#foods

I think Jen and Carol said it all, so I'll just welcome you and tell you that your are off to a good start. Continue to read (both the main site and forum have great info) And please ask if you have any more questions we can help you with.

Ok, what the heck, I never would have typed out all that stuff if jen's had been there must have taken me longer than I thought to post

lol. sorry carol

oh heck doesn't matter as long as they get the info.. just could have save my poor fingers some typing is all

Glad I saw you all's first I got the easy part!

Thanks a lot i will set up and let you know how it works....maybe some pics