General Care Discussion :: Baby RES died.

[cwinnes]

I bought a couple of RES babies in China Town at the beginning of May not knowing what I was getting myself into. Same day, after a little online research, I run down to Petsmart and go out $200 to provide them with tank, basking rock and lamp, uv bulbs, water heater, themometer etc... Unfortunately one of the turtles continued to grow while the other did not. Despite my best efforts of feeding separately and providing the best care I could the smaller one died this morning.

I am wondering if it would be ok to place a store bought 4" Res or African Sideneck with the smaller turtle that is still living. The living one is very active and healthy but is probably only 2" in size so far. I'm wondering if the newer larger turtle would cause problems for the little one.

Also I want to upgrade the store bought Zilla tank setup with customized equipment. What size tank should I go with. I noticed Petsmart $1/gallon sale and was wondering if that is a smart idea or should I go with something larger from the local Mom and Pop shop?

[Rishabh]

Sidenecks With RES Is Dangerous..But Given That The Turtle Is Just 2"..It May Be Okay... Sidenecks Can Be Easily Hurt By RES... Problems With Bigger Turtles..Well There May Or May Not Be...Be Sure To Give Enough Decor Or Hides To Break The Line Of Sight In The Tank... I Just Put In A 3 Inch Softshell(Indian Flapshell Turtle)With My Two 2.5 Inch Res.. They're Getting Along Very Well.. And They Bask Together Too... So It Depends.. Better Wait For The Experts To Answer!

[Love of Animals]

What size tank do you currently have and what size do you plan on getting? RES can get very aggressive when older and will require a 75 gallon tank if male when fully grown and a 100 - 120 gallon tank for a female when fully grown. I suggest not getting another turtle unless you can provide another large tank if needed. You can put fish in the tank to liven it up. Just don't get expensive fish, your turtle may eat them. Turtles are solitary animals and don't mind being alone.

[cwinnes]

Currently I have a small crappy Zilla set up. If I purchase another turtle I will customize with maybe a 40-50 gal tank for now. In another year or two I would again upgrade to 100 gallon. The problem is the turtles belonged to my two daughters and one is traumatized by the passing of her turtle. I don't mind getting another RES but I wasn't sure if it would be aggresive towards the smaller one. I liked the idea of the AFS because it would be different but don't want to create a dangerous situation for either turtle. The AFS would be 4" plus and the RES is maybe 2" right now.

[steve]

If you have just one RES, then concentrate on raising that one. If you want a larger, healthier RES consider adopting one (but care requirements would be the same).