General Care Discussion :: Lonely

[Tinkle]

My turtle was bought with another turtle that was given to my friend and now both of our turtles are not eatting and doing nothing at all. Could they be missing each other? Would it be best if they were together again? Please help

[missibsu]

Turtles are not social animals. They will do well on their own. Having them together has it's own set up of issues, so it's best that they are actually separate.

As for why they aren't eating and such things...How long have you had them? What is their set up like? And what are the water and basking temps?

[Tinkle]

I have a 10gallon tank w/ a floating rock,filter, and the UV/heating lamp. Water temp is fine. Ive only had him since last weds.

[missibsu]

It takes awhile for turts to adjust to their new environment. Be aware that you are going to need to upgrade to a larger tank soon. Also, you need a UVB light. It is a full spectrum light that is important to the health of your turt. Keep the heat light too, because most UVB lights to not produce heat.

[Tinkle]

It is a UVB heat producing lamp.. I just looked at the box... It going to be a week tomorrow and he hasnt eatten anything I hope he adjusts soon.

[sonyj]

The only UVB lights that produce heat as well are mercury vapor lights. They are very pricey and recommended only for tanks over 55 gallons due to the high amount of heat it gives off.

Chances are the light you have is just a UV/UVA light (heat basking light). Unless the box specifically says that it emits 7-10% UVB rays then you need to go get a UVB bulb to go with the heat light. Turtles need both to stay healthy.

It takes turtles some time to adjust to their new environments so give him a little time and he should be fine.

[Tinkle]

Yes this light was very pricey but it will last a while.. We set up the light pretty far from the tank itself just like the guy at the petstore told us to do..

[missibsu]

Can you find a link to the light that you purchased? Try www.petsmart.com and see if you can find it. I would be curious to see what kind you have.

[Tinkle]

this one I believe.. http://www.futurepets.com/cgi-bin/FULLP ... UM=TR82406

[missibsu]

If you'll notice that it says on that page that it is for use on large set ups. I checked petsmarts page too, and it says the same thing. What is the basking temp and water temp for your set up?

[Tinkle]

I asked the pet store owner and he said it would be ok if I kept it far from the tank.. I dont have it right on the tank.. I will ask him again and see what he says.

[missibsu]

It's my understanding and I could be wrong ( I don't use that kind of light ) that if you get it too far away it doesn't do any good in terms of UVB.

Petstore people are notorious for not knowing how to care for turtles. Just an FYI before you believe everything they say. You'd be amazed at some of the things other members on here have been told, lol.

I'm sure someone else will post about the bulb. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't overheating your tank!

[Tinkle]

thanks for the help.. I greatly appreciate it!!

[Brianthedog18]

I bought that bulb and used it on a 20 gal before I realized it was for larger tanks and it works just fine. I had the bulb about 10-12 inches away from the basking area and it seemed to work.

The box actually suggests that distance, so you won't lose any UVB if you have it that far away.


How big is your turtle? What are you trying to feed him? How much water do you have?

[sarah]

You know, I thought the same thing when I got my turtle and so I got another one...that wasn't the only reason of course...
anyway, my turtles do love being together...