Hello! I have had a RES and YBS for 2 weeks now. They seem to be thriving but I want to make sure I'm providing a good environment for them.
The RES is half-dollar size. The YBS is quarter-sized. Based on reading, I'm estimating they are between 3-4 months old?
They are in a 40 gallon tank filled 3/4 of water with ample basking area. They have a heat/UV light and I use a black light for sleeping. I put small terra cotta pots with safe aquatic plants and weighted the plant (in the pot) with LARGE rocks so they do not eat the rocks. No gravel on the bottom of aquarium. I don't know the brand of my filter but it's made for up to 100 gallons of water I believe. I'm thinking of adding another filter--have one on each side of the tank.
I feed in a separate container and offer a variety--pellets, krill, shrimp and have offered grapes and apple once. I've read that baby turtles need more protein than vegetation. They do have plants to snack on though. I feed once per day and give them an opportunity to eat for about 15 minutes. I put water from their tank into a smaller container so it's not shocking to them. I understand that they need to eat in water due to not producing their own saliva.
I've used the skimmer daily to retrieve plant bits and feces at the bottom. I added an air pump with 2 bubble stones last night to improve the circulation of the water. Their water has remained crystal clear so far with no stink. I added Aqua Safe to their water to rid it of chlorine.
I've done 1 partial water change so far--using the old fashioned method of scooping out water with a big cup. I purchased a large siphon last night to make it easier. I've read that you should do a partial water change weekly?
Anything I need to be doing in addition or stop doing? I love these little guys and want to provide the best for them. I'm especially in love with my RES-- (I'm calling it a "him")--he has such a different personality compared to the YBS. He dives into the water from basking when I walk near the aquarium and swims away like he's startled. In the morning though when it's feeding time, he's started to swim into my hand because he knows it's time to eat. It's so sweet! Other than feeding time, he wants nothing to do with me though.
I'm in my 30's. I had turtles when I was a kid and loved them so much. I have a little girl who is equally thrilled to have our turtles. I feel like a kid again with these little guys...coolest creatures ever! It's been a long time since I've had reptiles though and more information is available now versus so many years ago...I just want to be sure they're taken care of properly.
