General Care Discussion :: New Turtle Keeper - need lots of help!

[TurtleKeeper48]

So, is it safe for them if we re-arange their tank so they have deep water with a floating dock ASAP?

I really want to do that.

[mike hill]

turt-48 -- As long all else is ok with your set up, depth is not a problem as long as they don't get caught on something and can not breath. Turtles in the wild go very deep to escape and to rest. m.

[TurtleKeeper48]

turt-48 -- As long all else is ok with your set up, depth is not a problem as long as they don't get caught on something and can not breath. Turtles in the wild go very deep to escape and to rest. m.

Yeah - We're going to do it.

I was only worried about waking the "hibernating" or "sleeping" turtle... but now, it's a moot point - my wife just called and both are awake and in the water!

Woo-Hoo!

Thanks for all the posts guys. I'll let you all know how this turns out.

[jozzep]

Just like i suspected the habitat is totally wrong and these turtles are having an identity crisis!
If the temps are almost 90 and it's clearly the middle of june, these turts should NOT be hibernating.I think they could be sick.
Just pick them up from the sides gently and move them to a container with warm water, and set up the tank the way it should be (like the other turtles even if i believe you should add more water to it just as far up for the turtles not to escape).
Good luck

[theartbook35]

They arent asleep. They are trying to hide. The water isnt deep enough for them to feel secure, so they are trying to dig. Once you get them in a tank with enough water, they will be much less scared.

I know they arent asleep anymore, because the temperature is around 90 degrees.

You said it way better than me.

Just take out the tub and the bedding, maybe use the bridge as an underwater resting spot, and fill that tank with lots of water.

This set up is way too much like a snake's, and snakes don't live like turtles at all.

Scared or stressed turtles is a huge issue, believe it or not. It's not good for their health, or their lifestyle. Stressed turtles refuse to eat, and my understanding of stress is that it produces chemicals in the body that makes their organs shut down.

There's a website I found recently, that sells some fantastically CHEAP turtle products: http://www.petdiscounters.com/Turtle-Supplies-c19.html I've ordered from them twice, and really taken advantage of the things they sell. They have great food, plants, basking docks, decorations, filters, and substrates. It's really worth the look.

Okay, the really bright light you are using, is that your UVB, or a regular light bulb? If it is UVB, it needs to be directly above the basking spot, and point down as far as possible. Make sure the bulb is also about twelve inches away. If you put a heat bulb beside the UVB, it will encourage Rosa to bask much more. You can raise the water level another couple of inches. Just make sure Rosa can't grab the edge and climb out. Turtles are very strong and they are very good at lifting themselves at this size.

Rose is very pretty by the way, cute face, too.

[TurtleKeeper48]

Thanks guys!

We were just about to stop waiting and rearange - but my wife called today and told me that the big one woke up on her own and went to the water. I had the afternoon off and got home shortly after - so we rearanged their environment.

Here are the after shots:



They seem MUCH happier now. Both ate. They are exploring and seem to like things a lot more!

Here's the little one:

and the big one:


Both Red Eared Sliders, right? We think the red on the ears isn't very bright red due to poor diet.

We are surprised at how well they seem to be adjusting, though.

We haven't added any UVB light just yet, just basking lamps to regulate the temp. We just learned about UVB light, but both enclosures get indirect sunlight during the day. We'll look into adding that type of lighting and more water for all. These two are in the deepest water they've ever been in, so we're going to slowly increase the water level for them. We have no plans to integrate all three - we'll keep these two together though.

Look like steps in the right direction?

Thanks everybody for all the helpfull advice!

[theartbook35]

Sometimes the red on their ears is orange, and that is actually a natural coloring.

As for direct sunlight, do you mean you keep their tanks by an open window? If so, that can actually grow a ton of algae in the tank. Algae can't hurt them (I think it looks pretty) but it's a pain to get off when you don't want it there anymore. UV won't reach them through the screen or glass of a window, plus the wall of their tank. Just get a UV bulb, either repti-sun 5.0 or repti-glo 5.0, both come in the tropical version, which is better for turtles. (Desert is too strong for them)

Their water needs to be higher. They can handle much deeper water, at this size and age. The water can be a minimum of half full.

Otherwise, I am so glad you got them plants. They are really going to feel safe now that they have them. They add to the aesthetic aspect of the tank, too.

Good luck with your new friends!

[TheComputerGremlin]

First, from your photos of Rosa, she needs more water. You want the tank filled up as high as you can without her being able to escape, or set up a sort of screen or wall to make sure she can't escape. Browse photos on the site for examples. She'll appreciate it, trust me! You can raise it a little each day for the next week, and you may want to put a few underwater resting items in, like plants or aquarium decor.

As for the two that haven't had water, you'll want to raise that, but go slowly. Add about an inch every couple days until it's full. They may need to relearn to swim, and they are quick learners, but you don't want them to become more stressed. Ultimately, aquariums are designed to be filled to about 2 inches from the rim, so fill those babies up, get some good filters for both, maybe set up an enclosure of sorts to keep them from escaping, and enjoy your wonderful pets!