General Care Discussion :: New turtle.

[Random_Thoughts]

So after looking at the plants on that link im probably going to get a variety of plants.

hahaha crazy turtles >.<

I just came across a thread where they said baby snails live in the plants. Is that true for all live aquatic plants?

[marisa]

More often that not. And they can multiply like crazy. It's good to inspect and rinse any plants that you buy before putting them in the tank (I sometimes even keep the plants in a small tank of water for a while). Even then, a few are likely to get in the tank, especially if they're really small or are in egg form and cling to the underside of leaves.

[Random_Thoughts]

Oh thats good to know. I will have to remember to wash the plants thoroughly. Do feeder fish breed fast if the turtle doesnt eat them fast enough?

[marisa]

Someone who gives their turtles feeder fish will have to answer that, I don't give mine feeder fish.

BTW, snails are not bad to have in the tank (a source of calcium for your turtle if he eats them). They're just a pain if they get out of control.

[Random_Thoughts]

Oh ok. Is there anything else i should know? Im currently reading through old threads.

[marisa]

Keep reading. Then if you have questions, just ask.

[Daniel3507]

i have had both guppies and rosie reds in my tank and have not not had any breed even when they are in there for awhile

[Random_Thoughts]

If there are enough hiding places that are small enough the turtle can get to or get stuck in, can the guppies or rosie reds breed?

[Daniel3507]

im sure they could. depends on the fish though and if they end up breeding. its not a guaranteed thing though

[Random_Thoughts]

ok. How far away should a 50 watt heat lamp be from the basking rock?

[mikee]

R-T -- Your heat light should be as far away as it takes to get the basking temp to 90 to 91 degrees. If you keep your water to 75 to 77 degrees they like the difference and will bask. You will need uvb lilghting and don't get the 10 use the .50 or your turtle will have eye trouble. To get our turtle on track with his diet, stick to a good pellet and veggies once or twice a week with some calcium. Your filter pump should pump at least five times the water volume you have in the tank. Your are on the right track. m.

[Random_Thoughts]

Thanks. I will definitely be prepared when i get the turtle.

From being in the same water for 6 months and covered in slim, what are the chances the turtle is sick?

[SpotsMama]

It depends on the turtle. Some seem to be remarkably resistent but if he's been filthy for 6 months, it wouldn't be at all surprising to see some skin and/or shell problems. When you get him, clean him up and then take a good look. Wash him gently in clean water with a soft toothbrush. Also, I'd use some Hibiclense on him - a hand wash for people you can get from places like Walgreens - diluted to 50% with water - then be sure and rinse thoroughly. He'll be slippery so hold him carefully over the sink while you wash him.

You'll be able to tell from his behavior if he's not feeling well. Most skin and shell problems are quite treatable if they haven't gone on for too long. If he has something worse like a respiratory infection, he'll have to see a vet. Hopefully that won't be the case.

If a turtle isn't too sick, when he's moved from awful conditions to good conditions, there's often a quick bloom of personality and energy which is nice to see.

[Random_Thoughts]

Ok then i will try to look around for that stuff just in case. The funny thing is that the turtle is really aggressive towards the owner but wasnt when they first got it... i wonder why haha(I would to for being in the same water for a long time and only eating pellets).

So probably when i get the turtle home i will have to wash it with a soft tooth brush but how since it wants to bite everyone.

[SpotsMama]

Carefully! You'll have to learn to hold him so he can't get you with his jaws. Use both hands and grasp him firmly around his middle. He'll probably use his claws as well as bite, so be prepared. The main thing is to not get within biting distance of those jaws.

When Spot was in his "bitey" stage, I'd sometimes let him bite a wash cloth. He'd hang on to it for dear life and while he was "attached", I could do some washing. In your case, you might have a helper with you - one of you could hold him firmly and one could do the washing.