Urgent Care :: Help! I am new at this!

[RESAkin&Kiba]

Hi. I'm new to here. My turtles don't seem to eat. One of them never ate since I got him or her.(I don't know if it's a girl or guy) The other one eats every 2 times I feed him. They are still small. I think it's the water temperature. I'm new at this so I think I used too cold water. Is using bottled spring watter okay? Or should I boil it a bit and then put it into their tank? And also how big should I get a tank? They are about 4 inches. The one who eats(Kiba)has been growing to my relief. But the other one, Akin, hasn't grown and is always sitting in the corner of the temporaray tank I bought them. They always try going through the plastic, is that normal? Thank you for helping in advance,
RESAkin&Kiba


admin note: original poll deleted

[flutterby]

Please answer the questions posted here it will help us help you.
http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2142

[Andrew7769]

turtle expert is not an expert btw i im sure everyone will be more than happy to help

[missibsu]

Answering the questions in the link provided by flutterby will help us help you. There are several very active people on this site who will provide as much help as well can. Just keep in mind that none of us are experts and that the information we provide is based on our own beliefs and experiences. It's kind of like doing a research paper, the more sources you can get that say the same thing...the better the paper will be.

[sneakyburrito]

Wow, i'm surprised I was the first one to vote>of course I'll help you, what have you got to lose I'm an expert at this!

this person would have 2 turtles to lose if you continue giving people false information. QUIT CLAIMING THAT YOU'RE AND EXPERT!

[RESAkin&Kiba]

How big is your turtle? About 4 inches
How long have you had it? About 3 weeks

What is the water temperature? I don't know but I think it's cold
Are you using a water heater?No
How much water is in there? About two water bottles
Are you using a water conditioner?No
Are you using any filtration?No

What is the basking temperature?None I haven't set a basking area because I have a temporary tank.
Is there a basking light?No
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on?No
What kind is it or what is it made out of?Nothing
Is there a UVB light?No

What have you been trying to feed it? Turtle Gammarus Food
When was the last time your turtle ate?Kiba ate last night but Akin hasn't eaten since I got him(WEll I haven't seen him eat anything.)

Thank you for helping me! I am new at this and didn't know the whole like big responsiblility thing. I think I'm going to kill them ><

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure?I dunno it's temporary
Is the tank near a window?Sometimes it is moved
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity?At night it is active

Have you read the Basic Care section?Yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations?Yes

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms?Akin stays in the corner practically all day!!!

[sneakyburrito]

There is a possibility that your turtle is sick, but i dont wanna worry you and jump to conclusions. it probably is the fact that you lack the water heater, and the lights. some turtles are just more sensitive to the temperature. try filling the tank with luke warm water(not too warm, but not too chilly). the least the turtles have is water that is warm enough. thats just my 2 cents

[RESAkin&Kiba]

Okay I'm going to the pet store to buy the tank probably tommorow.

[steve]

Hi, please get 2 or 3 thermometers. They are cheap and very important. Incorrect water temps is one of the main sources of illness and disease. You would want to keep your turtles separate until you are sure both are healthy. You can hold off buying a new tank and get 2 large plastic containers.

You will need a basking area, a UVB light, a heat light, a water heater and a water filter.

There is some basic info here:
http://www.redearslider.com/res-guide.pdf

[grey goose]

For two 4" turts you're going to need at least a 90 gal. tank.
You'll need a filter that can handle 3x the water in your tank. A Rena FilStar XP3 or Fluval 405 should do it.
A basking ramp.
A heater. At least a 250 watt.
A basking light. 60 watt household bulb w/dome fixture.
A UVB light w/fixture. Reptisun 5.0 or 10.0 lamp.

Right now you have to get and keep them warm. 75-80F. If they are too cold, they won't eat.....and could end up with RI and other health issues. You didn't say how big your temporary tank is but two bottles of water (quarts? gallons?) is not enough. If you have or can get a rubbermaid container large enough to fit your two turts comfortably and be able to at least compleatly cover them with water, and put a heating pad underneath for now, it's a start. Starting from scratch with two turts that size can be difficult (and expensive) but it can be done. Good luck and keep us posted....
[/i]