Habitat - Indoor :: newbie setup - HI!

[mullman]

OK, so I re-did my tank AGAIN last night.

Thermo on the side of the tank was reading 82 - EEK.

I removed one of the 25w bulbs and removed the Thermofilter since I really think I do not need the heater until cooler weather. The AC in my home is set on 77.

Removed all the small gravel and completely cleaned tank.

About 6 of the large rocks randomly placed on the floor of the tank, Fluval 1 Plus Filter, Turtle Dock, and PVC T pipe reinstalled.

Everyone very nervous last night.

This morning they both ate and this afternoon my wife said the turtles are exploring and seem happy. Temp on side of tank reading 80. They are pushing the large river rocks (2.5-4") on the bottom and hiding in the PVC pipe. Tank is SPOTLESS - that gravel was really mucking it up.

Thoughts?

[reptilegrrl]

You know that you don't have to hae the heater on on the thermofilter, right? You can set the temperature at whatever you want. It has a thermostat.

I think 80 is a bit high for a ten-gallon tank. bUt I am glad you've gotten the gravel out of there- it really does keep things dirty.

[fishandcandy]

Pictures?

[GEMS]

I was lurking yesterday, trying to find out what I could on RES. I wanted to thank all of you for helping me get my RES Habitat set-up, even though you were unaware. I was worried about using too much water. The pet store told me to have a half land half water habitat, but he seemed to want to be in the water all the time. So I found this site and learned a great deal. Made my list of items I needed, and went shopping.

I bought a filter system, a heat lamp, a UVB lamp, a floating dock, a thermometer for the water and 1 for the basking area. I too thought you had to have gravel on the bottom, but everything said here was the opposite, and the lady at Petsmart agreed. So I used some River Rock, just a few pieces. It was amazing how knowledgeable I was when I went to Petsmart - all because I came here first.

We had him in the sink while we were doing all of this. I took all the dirt my kids had put in the tank, and ended up breaking it after I got it clean! SO I had tomake another trip to buy a tank. Got one same size as the previous one - 20 gallon, long.

I took some photos if I can figure out how to post them- the turtle is so happy in the new Habitat!! His basking temp is 80 F and his water is 75 F. When we first put him in it, he sat on the floating dock for a while then he slid into the water and started swimming - and really enjoying all the water. He keeps trying to swim thru the glass.

One note - my 6 year old actually bought the turtle (although I had to sign for it) and it bites him from time to time. But he seems happier when I hold him. I was totally not prepared for the committment, but now that he is here, I want him to be healthy. We just got him Monday, but I love to watch him swim in his new habitat!!

Thanks again for the help


Sheila-Marie

P.S. Didn't figure how to add the photos![/img]

[sonyj]

GEMS, there's a sticky under the photo gallery on how to post pics. You will need to host the on a free hosting website (such as Photobucket) first and then use the links provided to place them on here.

I'm glad that you've found out what it takes to care for your RES early on so he'll be able to live a happy, healthy life with you. How big is he (shell length from tip to tip not including curve)?

[missibsu]

I would just add that you might want to raise your basking temp a bit. General recommendation is that the basking area is 10 degrees warmer than the water temp. This can differ for turtles, but if you notice that your turt doesn't bask much it could be because it isn't warm enough.

[GEMS]

Sonja- he is about 4 inches long,maybe 4.5. My husband was perturbed at how large it was, but I thought it was on the small side. Not as small as a terrapin, for sure, but he seems to be a good sized one. Thanks for the hint of photos

Miisibsu - I mistakenly put him in cold water yesterday, and he raced around the tub, so I took him out and warmed it up a bit, and then he floated around. i can tell when he is happy with the climate!! I found him asleep in the water this evening - he positions himself between the filter and the thermometer, and kind of "floats". But you are right he hasn't been spending much time on the basking area. How do I make it warmer? Put the light closer or user high wattage bulb?

Gems

[missibsu]

You can do either. I wouldn't recommend moving the light so close that the turt can touch it, get burned by it, or get splashed with water. So, if you are going to have to move it very close, then I would just go with a higher wattage. I use a 60 watt and it's about 15 or so inches from the dock.

[GEMS]

I moved heat light as close as I could without risking water splash, then this am I noticed that the temp was dropping and the light bulb was out. (I believe it may have been hit by a child) anyway I put a 60 watt bulb in - and the temp is 85F in the basking area, and 75F in the water. But i haven't seen him basking yet.

Should I turn off the UVB light at night, or leave both lights on?

Since I am in Geogria, I didn't buy an actual heat lamp (we'd soon have turtle on the half shell!) Just a basking lamp and 75 watt blue bulb. But not it has a regular incandescent bulb - 60 watt. 85 seems like it would be a good heat- of course, he may not have realized it has improved, and may be staying away because it used to be cold!

Does it hurt them to stay in the water for long periods? Right now he is positioned with 1 foot against the thermometer, with his head out of the water. Also, is it ok to take them out of their habitat and "play" with them? My son likes to hold him, but I am concerned that it may not be good for him.

GEMS

[missibsu]

You should have two bulbs for your basking area despite living in Georgia where it is warmer. One is a UVB bulb and the other is a regular light bulb to provide the heat. There really isn't a need for any fancy reptile bulbs (other than UVB).

Chances are he isn't going to bask, even with the warmer temps, if you are constantly in the room watching him. Give him some space and then sneak around quietly.

Handling your turt isn't really advisable. There is a risk that your turtle could be carrying salmonella. A good hand washing is always advisable. It can also add undue stress on your turtle. I would keep hand holding to minimum when you clean the tank. It can be considered a treat to hold the turt during those times.

[GEMS]

Actually - I do have two lamps - one is a UVB and the other just a "regular" bulb. I saw a heat lamp at Home Depot but thought that would be too hot!

We are aware of teh salmonella issue, and we have hand sanitizer and antibacterial soap for washing our hands with. My son seems to think the turt wants to be held all the time, but I am trying to convince him that he needs to be in the water, or at least basking. We have taken him outside a time or two. He has bitten the boys but I keep telling them that he is over-stimulated, he never bites me (knock on wood!)

Thanks again for all the advice - I am learning so much

GEMS

PS I actually check on him at nite before I go to bed! Make sure his temps are good, lights are on, etc.

[missibsu]

I realized that you had to two bulbs, but I didn't understand about the blue heat bulb that you mentioned...I get it now!

You should leave your lights on as though it were the sun. For the summer months around 12 hours a day and the winter months a little less. Try to make it as realistic as possible when it comes to providing the light.

[mullman]

Pictures?

[missibsu]

He's such a tiny little guy! Cute.

[mullman]

The two turtles are eating pellets very well.
Pleco is keeping the tank literally spotless.
My Thermofilter (90 GPH) is just amazing in this tiny 10g tank.
Water temp is 80 deg during the day, and 78 at night.
Basking temp on the Turtle Dock is 92 and they "sun" on it alot, then jump in to cool off.
I got rid of all the gravel and rocks and I did not think I would enjoy the look, but it is awesome.

I bought 5 feeder minnows the other day and 3 are left.
2 died of natural causes and the turts would not touch them.

I got 3 fancy guppies today (2 F, 1 M) and we will see what happens.
Everyone seems happy