General Care Discussion :: Will my turtle grow??

[chanx789]

I've had my turtles for almost 4-5 yrs. But I never kept them in a tank. They were always in a tub that was 1 foot in diameter. I basically filled in an inch of water and that was it. I've only fed them the turtle pellets 2 times a day. And now one is about 2 in and the other is 3 in. Do turtles have a growth span because if I get them a bigger tank, which I plan to do really soon, will they grow anymore?

[octpusgirl8]

They will probably get bigger, but not to full size. I'm glad you are getting them a proper tank, they will appreciate having some room to swim and be turtley.

[roseK]

are u keeping them in one of those turtle bowls? youve probably stunted them.

i know m turtle is only 4 months old and he is nearing 3 inches of shell

[mikee]

Your turtle need more room to grow. You can size your new tank by 10 gallons per inch. Good lighting, basking lamp and good filter would really perk him up. Get a filter large enough to turn the water in the tank at least 5 times per hour. This is a start: there is plenty of help here for the rest. -- Good Luck !!

[powerofvoodoo]

Donatello was living in a small container with less than an inch of water with only pellets to eat for the past 2.5 years (since we bought her at the pet store). When I aquired her (from my sister) in August, she was only 2.5" long and since I have given her lights and updated her tank and diet, she has grown 1/2". So yes, they'll grow but they'll never be full size.

[chanx789]

I understand that they won't grow to their potential size, but I would at least want them to get up to 4 in so I can tell what sex they are. I plan on getting a 50 gallon tank very soon. I will probably check petco or petsmart and see if they have any lights and filters on sale. I found this bottle of turtle growth food, but I don't know if it was safe to get it. Anyone here ever tried it or know if it even works?

[mikee]

chanx789 -- The very best thing you can do is get a larger aquarium. I know of no magical grow quick stuff that will make him grow more quickly. If you are getting a 50 gallon aquarium I suggest that you get a 300 to 350 gph canister filter/pump for it. He will grow more quickly with a larger place to live with the proper temperatures and lighting.

[megcornell]

You can't rush a turtle's growth safely. It causes stress on their organs, bones, and shell.
As for sexing them, it may take a little longer than 4 inches to tell. Sometimes in stunted turtles they don't reach sexual maturity for a while.
Just be patient and once their habitat improves they'll start growing.
If you're getting a 50 gallon tank, look into canister filters, they are excellent.

[Blue Flamingo]

If I were you I would just by the filter over the internet because pet stores sell them at higher prices.

[mikee]

Blue F -- It is too bad that the pet stores have such high prices on their canisters. I brought that to the attention to one store and they met the price after calling their main office. --- But, that is such a hassle!! -- If C 789 wants some advice on a couple of brands I will be glad to let him know of my experience with them.

[ZombieTurtle]

yeah def buy filter/heaters, stuff like that from store online, big al's is highly recommended and used around here, and you will save a lot of money.

canister filters and even heaters are way overpriced in the store.