Photo Gallery :: My new setup and some random pics

[marisa]

Go bigger if you can---they're all growing turtles, and the bigger you go, the longer you'll have between upgrades. You're eventually looking at something like a pond, or multiple set-ups.

[missibsu]

The rule is 10 gallons per inch of straight length shell. If you have three turts and they are all 2 inches, you are looking at 60 gallons just for the moment. That doesn't take into consideration that they are going to grow. What about when they have to be seperated because they don't get along? Then you are talking about 2, maybe three set-ups. Complete with basking areas, lights, ect. You have been on this site long enough that you should have realized that prior to making that last purchase when one died. I suggest reading through the main site. Get all of the facts and then give it some serious thought before you do any more impulse buying.

[Prospectclmt]

my bro has a 60 gallon he said he will give me but the only prob is i dont have room.

[missibsu]

What did you propose doing when they grow up? Like any living thing, they aren't going to stay small forever. No animal should be an impulse buy. You always have to be prepared for the animal to need treatments, extra room, food, a place to call it's own. There is more to owning a pet than just the initial cost.

[Prospectclmt]

it wasnt an impulse buy. im in the process of buying a house.....plan was when they get bigger we (my girlfriend and i) are gonna get a pond setup.

[Prospectclmt]

a local reputable petshop here in san diego has 10-15 babies 1"-3" inches in a 50 gallon setup and show no problem.

[tissigirl]

Well at least you are trying to do better by them, and you plan on upgrading at some point. That's what's important. We all get excited on here because we want the best for these turtles. Just please listen to everyone's suggestions. Get the largest habitat for them that you possibly can. Trust me, many of us understand financial difficulties and lack of space.

But do keep in mind, those turtles at the pet shop are only babies. The point people on here are trying to make is that they won't make it to be older turtles if you keep them like the pet shop does. They may be fine now, but what about in 6 months or a year of living like that?

[missibsu]

Just because it doesn't appear to have problems, doesn't mean that they arean't there. Pet shops are notorious for not knowing how to care for RES and other aquatic turtles. That could be another reason for the death of your other turtle. When raised in an improper set up the mortality rate increases. Your baby could have had something before you bought him and just didn't show the signs of it.

I have two concerns right now and that is, aggression due to cramped spaces, and not knowing what your turt had and possibly spreading it to the others that you have. I know that you did a complete cleaning, but if the others were already in the tank with him, then they could also be infected and not yet showing it. You also just bought a new turt. Did you place it in the tank with the others? New turts should be quarantined for 3 months/90 days before introducing them to your current set up. If the new one is carrying anything, you have exposed your turts to it by placing him in the current set up.

Depending on how long it takes the house deal to go through and the new pond to form, I would say that they would be ok temporarily. You know you need the upgrade, just as long as it gets done. I wish I could have a pond. Ohio gets kinda cold though, lol. I've been thinking of plans to build one inside though. We'll see what happens.

[Prospectclmt]

thats coo....i havent received the new one yet.... i was thinking the same thing. i have an extra 10 gal that i can put the new guy in.

[Brianthedog18]

That could work depending on the time frame. How long will it be until you have your new pond built? Sounds great by the way, I wish I had room for a pond lol.

Also, how large do you plan on this pond being? having 4 turtles in it could mean you'd need something like a 400 gallon pond if you follow the rule exactly (although I think some leeway can be used here, 400 gallons seems pretty large, but then again I've never had a pond before!)

[Prospectclmt]

yeah anywhere from 200 gal to 300 gal....hopefully

[vieniebebe]

OMG!!!So cute, and I like ur background