General Care Discussion :: A newb to turtle care

[Anonymoose]

Alright, I have finally gotten my stuff!

33 Gallon Tank
In-tank filter
Heating Lamp
UV Light

I have one concern, though...my in-tank filter is a bit too big for my tank, and if I place it upright, there is no room for my turtle dock. However, if I put it facing up in the floor of my tank, it will fit, but I don't know whether or not this will electrify the water.

*EDIT* Nevermind, an angry mexican guy answered my question.

[Anonymoose]

By the way, there are tons of bubbles in my water. Is this normal?

*EDIT* That reminds me, I'm going to take my turt to the vet tomorrow, how am I supposed to transport him?

[CountryGirl68]

When I've had to transport my turtle, I put him in one of those plastic carry containers sold at the pet store (you can probably find something similar at home; just make sure it has air holes) and a moist small towel he can hide under.

[Anonymoose]

Concerning that matter, is it alright to put it in a ziploc container (not bag) with the cover partially open?

[missibsu]

I would be more inclined to punch holes in the lid of the ziplock container. It would be more secure that way. You don't want him to be able to crawl out.

[steve]

I think a cardboard box is better - the turtle cannot see through it and it is not as hard as plastic.

[Anonymoose]

I won't be able to go to the vet today, in the meanwhile, I'm trying to entice my RES to eat. I've bought Exo Terra canned crickets, and she doesn't seem to like them very much.

She hasn't eaten in almost a week now, which severely concerns me. All she did today was bask, sometimes with her limbs in weird positions (upper-left leg retracted, back right leg in swimming positions), and as the result of the basking, she has visible white flakes on her shell when she goes to swim. Is this normal?

The in-tank water filter (Fluval 4+) can't seem to stay at the bottom of the tank, either. the foot of it always floats up. Any way to stop this?

Thanks for all your suggestions so far, it's all been wonderfully helpful.