General Care Discussion :: Size miscalculation

[chrisinva]

I finally found something to measure my new friends...

I'm not sure what I was thinking with my estimate

But here is the real sizes... The largest one is 1 1/8 in not including head and tail

the smallest one is just at an inch
not including head and tail

any precautions on these tiny guys I have yet to consider??

[Raphulk]

im sorry if im late on your subject, but could you direct me to the link of your current setup?

id hate to repeat anything youve already heard

[chrisinva]

well....I just changed things I have a (too small) 10 gallon tank

I just recieved my turtle dock and have it on with the tank almost full of water

small heater, and small filter,and a heat lamp for the dock

[Raphulk]

that will do just fine for now.

if it makes you feel better, thats 10 times better than what i had my first turtle in for his first full year.

i had him in a 5 gallon acrylic container with half full of water and a basking dock.

no filter (just water changes) no heater (he almost died from hibernating) and no heat lamp.

i was a horrible turtle owner. haha so back to the topic.


you are doing a good job so far in coming here to do research on how to take care of your turtles properly. i know that you love both of them, but have you ever considered adopting one out? i know it doesnt seem like its a big deal. but if you give one away now it will be easier. they are cuter and somewhat healthier looking.

[chrisinva]

Well for in the future I can get them in seperate large tanks...House space in not an issue nor is finance...but if it's in their best interest and health I would adopt one or both if nessessary..

[Raphulk]

i see.
do you have any current plans for them?
that youre saving up for or something?

like a bigger tank someday

[chrisinva]

I am shopping for a 75 gallon tank right now....with stand and all lighting

[Daniel3507]

chances are you will have to seperate them eventually. if you can provide the proper care for them though there shouldnt be a reason to adopt them out. if not though Gabe is right. it would be easier to adopt one out while it is small. do you have a water heater and thermometer?

[chrisinva]

chances are you will have to seperate them eventually. if you can provide the proper care for them though there shouldnt be a reason to adopt them out. if not though Gabe is right. it would be easier to adopt one out while it is small. do you have a water heater and thermometer?

I have a water heater and stick on thermometer...I am looking for a better thermometer to measure the dock and water temps...but so far I have not had much luck...The stck on therm says the water temp is between 78 and 80 F

[Daniel3507]

78 is perfect. try the digital ones.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... atid=12089

[Squishy]

You're missing a UVB bulb for the basking area.

If you want a better chance at being able to keep them together, consider a bigger tank like a 135 or 150 gallon (200+ would be ideal, but maybe that's pushing it ). Then if they don't get along, you can still put a divider in the tank and give them both adequate space. If you wait long enough on Craigslist, you should be able to find a tank that size for $200 or less. I see less deals on tank/stand/light combos, but you can always find a solid wood "stand" (just any sturdy stand-like furniture) for fairly cheap. I got my stand for just $25.

[Raphulk]

hey bev, i see you have a HUGE setup in your signature! do you have any pictures? im very curious to see a 65 gallon basking area!!!

[chrisinva]

You're missing a UVB bulb for the basking area.

If you want a better chance at being able to keep them together, consider a bigger tank like a 135 or 150 gallon (200+ would be ideal, but maybe that's pushing it ). Then if they don't get along, you can still put a divider in the tank and give them both adequate space. If you wait long enough on Craigslist, you should be able to find a tank that size for $200 or less. I see less deals on tank/stand/light combos, but you can always find a solid wood "stand" (just any sturdy stand-like furniture) for fairly cheap. I got my stand for just $25.

I don't have a UVA UVB light for this setup...I take them outside (UNDER HIGH SUPERVISION) for an hour or more a day for sunlight...they really seem to like that...The new tank I am shopping for will have all the nessesary lights