redearslider.com

Hello. I'm kinda new to turtles, and have been setting up a tank because my turtles should be coming within the next week. I had some questions, though.

First, I bought a water heater at Petsmart because I thought the water would be too cold because my house is air conditioned. Yet now, after I have set up my tank, the thermometer reads about 73 degrees. I am going to have 3 babies- do I need to set up the heater?

Second, I did not buy a uvb light at Petsmart because I was going to buy the fixture at Home Depot or Lowes because that is what a fellow turtle owner there suggested. But I ended up not getting to Lowes or Home Depot, so sadly I dont have a uvb light (I do have a heat light though). I have calcium dust though that claims to have Vitamin D3 added. Is this enough for now, or do I need to rush out to Petsmart to get a light before my turtles arrive?

Last, I suppose its too late now, but I ordered my turtles from reptilecity.com. Does anyone have experience, good or bad, with them?

I appreciate your responses!!

redearslider.com has loads of useful info including everything about housing, feeding, lighting etc. For hatchlings, or babies, the water needs to be between 78-80 degrees, so get that heater in there! You do need a uVB light in addition to the heat light. Giving turtles a d3 supplement to replace uVB light is risky, and has not been shown to be an adequate replacement. The light should be between 5-10% uvb, and you can get one at bigal's.com for about $20.00. You also need a basking platform that is easy to climb for babies, and is completely out of the water at enough points for the turtles to get completely dry. You also need to be sure that if your air is on the turtles are not getting drafts, it can make them ill. I don't know about reptile city, but good luck with your new babies! Nicole

If you bought the calcium blocks that are shaped like a turtle, then they are nearly pointless. They don't provide a useable form of calcium. If you don't go buy the UVB bulb right away, you can always take your turtle out 4-5 times a week for basking in the sun.

I would recommend going to the petstore and getting your UVB bulb first. It comes in many different forms. Once you have picked the style that is going to work best for you, then you can head over to lowes and get a fixture that fits it.

Thanks for your replies you guys! I will set up my heater today and go to the store as soon as I can to get that uvb light. I do have a basking dock- the Zoomed floating dock that suctions to the side of the tank.