General Care Discussion :: New Turtle and New Turtle Owner

[megcornell]

Hi Everyone,
I recently got a baby slider turtle from some not so good conditions and having never owned one before am wondering what I should buy for him/her? Right now "Leo's" about the size of a half dollar; I have turtle food, a light, and a basking area set up in a tank for him. I'm planning on going to the local pet store tomorrow to get a more complete set up and am hoping for some suggestions as to what to buy to make him healthier and more comfortable.... thanks!!!

[fishandcandy]

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Articl ... losure.htm

This is my favorite turtle supply article...
Good luck!

[sonyj]

Please be sure to read the main site as well as look through the photo section of the forum for set-up ideas.

One mistake people most often make is not buying a large enough tank at first with a good filter/equipment and then they have to spend money all over again within a few months for a better one as their turtle starts to grow. Remember that the minimum recommended tank size is ten gallons per inch, but go as large as you can to avoid costly upgrades as you go along. At full growth a female RES will be between 10-12 inches and need a 120 gallon tank and a male will be 7-9 inches needing a 90 gallon tank. Planning ahead will help a lot.