General Care Discussion :: Hershey. The New Turtle

[ChibiTurtle]

I just purchased a red ear slider from our local pet shop. I took the advice from the managers there and bought.

-24 Gallon Tank (To be changed when he grows bigger)
- 50W Sun Glo Neodymium Basking Spot Lamp (UVA)
- Turtle dock
- Water filter for a 24 Gallon tank.
- A cute 1 month old infant <3.



Im thinking of purchasing a water conditioner and a heater for the water (because I will eventually require it.)

But the problem now is I have no experience whatsoever on turtles or for that matter any type of pets. From what Ive read, I should break up the pellets he eats for now, and feed him only what his hollowed head can fill.

Heres the problem, Im currently using tap water and I dont have a conditioner, which means I have to leave the water for 24 Hours before I can actually put him in (correct me if im wrong). Which means That he will be staying in a small plastic box with holes poked on the side, and only a little water.

This doesnt seem very healthy for the little guy so I was wondering if its possible to put him in the water now, or if there is an alternative.

And the other question is, How deep should the water be for a 1 month old Infant?.

Thanks^^.

Pictures.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f314/ ... G_0755.jpg

[Tenodera]

hmm for a pet store that's pretty good advice.

although You will also need a UVB basking lamp.

the water should be as deep as it can without the turtle being able to escape out through the basking dock. Turtles love deep water!

Have you read the other places on this site?


Kevin

[ChibiTurtle]

Ive read some of the articles and most of the site by the time I write this.

My Water is at 11 centimeters deep, and my Basking Dock around 5-6 Centimeters. Maybe less, Im confident once I put the little guy in he will survive.

Although what I'm worried about is him in this small plastic container. Doesn't seem too healthy.

[Tenodera]

I think its ok to put him in the tank for now. And do raise the water higher. Turtles have a natural instinct of swimming.


By the way, do you have gravel in your tank? If you do, take it out before you put the turtle in since turtles WILL eat it.

[megcornell]

How long has the water been filtering in the tank? And what temperature is it? I feel like the bigger problem would be putting the turtle in water that is too cool rather than the chlorine. Hatchling water temps should be 78-80 degrees. If you can't get your water that warm... I'd wait until tomorrow and buy some water conditioner and a heater. The first night I had my turtle she stayed in a tiny case, I was in NYC and didn't have access to a pet store. She was fine for the night. Just make sure the turtle isn't exposed to drafts if you do keep her in the plastic crate.

[Safdar]

You dont have any other container?
How about a sterilite container or rubbermaid?

[ChibiTurtle]

ATM I only have the container that I bought at the shop, and replying to meg, from what I've measured I think Ill have to put him in the tank tommorow. The water is way too cold for him to get into.

[Safdar]

Water needs to be temperature controlled and the preferred range is 78-80 degrees F for hatchlings and 75-78 degrees F for adults. Water that is too cold can cause a turtle to become inactive and less responsive. A loss of appetite may also occur and your turtle may think it will be going into hibernation.
Your going to need a heater

Also the filter needs to be 2-3x the rating of your tank

The petstore man told u wrong
So your going to need a filter rated for atleast a 50 gallon

[ChibiTurtle]

I see, ill keep that in mind, and another question, does the filter run 24/7?

[Safdar]

Yes. If you turn it off there is a harm
Turning off the filter willm be cutting off oxygen supply for the beneficial bacteria, and they will die. If you don't have any beneficial bacteria in your tank, the ammonia and nitrites will pile up. Which is unhealthy for your turtle

May i ask why you want to turn it off

[ChibiTurtle]

Not that Im going to, but I was asking if there was an accident with the power or such.

[Safdar]

Oh if it goes out for a night on accident its fine

But if this happens every night, then it will be harmful to ur turtle

Does the power go out frequenty

[ChibiTurtle]

Nah not really, just a security measure. And Sorry for filling with questions but, the bacteria I can purchase at an average petstore right?

[Tenodera]

You could, and usually it just starts on it's own.

[untsmurf]

And, generally, you need a filter that is rated for 3x the size of the tank. So if you have a 24 gallon tank, you should have a filter that is made for a 75 gallon tank. You also need to spot check and clean any waste you see on a daily bases. And if I measured right, then your dock is only just over two inches long. I'm pretty sure that isn't big enough for your turt.

What are you feeding your baby.