General Care Discussion :: Tank Temps, have I got it right ?

[Cim*Forever]

Hey guys!

Thank you all so much for your help on my other questions. I went to a larger pet store today and got an under water stealth heater. I think it turns off when the temperature in the water has been reached....

Anyways, my water temperature is around 78 F , and my basking dock is at about 85- 90 F. Is this about right? Should the basking dock be cooler?

He seems pretty happy, and he has even eaten his pellets today! How long should I continue to feed him in his tank? Ideally I would like to feed him his pellets out of the tank, and then just leave some veggies in the tank for him to munch on. Should the container I feed him in have the same water temp as my tank water?

And when I clean out his tank (Which ill probably do in a week or two, depending on how clean it stays, or doesn't stay) is it alright to put him in a large container without water, and his basking light so he can completely dry off? Or is this not a good idea?

Thanks for your time guys! I really appreciate it

[Starchick]

Don't make the basking spot any cooler. It should be about 10 degrees warmer than the water, so if he seems to like it where it is, you're fine to just leave it!

[megcornell]

Sounds like things are going well. I'd give him a few days to get used to the tank and life in general before trying to feed him out of the tank. You're correct that the water should be the same temp.
When I clean my tank, I do partial water changes much more frequently than full water changes because it helps keep the beneficial bacteria alive and well. When I do that I just put Leo in a small container off to the side. I have a larger "reptile crate" for longer or full tank cleanings. Whatever you keep the turtle in make sure it cannot knock it over and escape... turtles are excellent escape artists. You can provide the basking lamp if it's cool in your house, I don't, but it's fine to do so. Also, make sure the turtle is out of any drafts while out of the tank.

[emma]

Yes i agree with starchick. And when you clean out the tank, you can just put him in something where there isnt water. Just don't leave him in there for too long, maybe an hour at the most.
When I feed my turtles I put the veggies in the tank like you, and for the pellet feeding, I try to just fill up a container with warm water from the faucet and then just put my turts in there to feed them. They seem to like that.'
Thats really great that your turtle has already started to eat! That means you must be taking GREAT care of him and he must be VERY happy! Congrats!

[Cim*Forever]

Thank you all for your posts and kind words! I really am loving this little guy. Anyways, I named him Rosco (just hope its not a girl, haha)

[mikee]

Cforever -- You are on track as far as the water temp and basking light temp.
The uva and uvb lighting is needed to keep him healthy and growing. He will aslo love the clean properly filtered water. If it is a female you could try Rockett!!-- Good Luck!!

[SpotsMama]

On the basking temperature, the acid test will be whether your turtle feels motivated to get up and bask. New turtles often don't even try to bask for the first week or two until they settle down. Then, you probably won't actually see him bask for awhile because he'll be too shy (although some very extroverted turtles bask in front of their keepers right away) but you'll be able to tell if he's basking if you find water drops on the basking platform or if you put something (like a couple of pellets) on the platform and come back to find they've been moved. What motivates turtles to bask is heat - they are natural heat seekers.

If, after several weeks you realize the basking platform isn't quite warm enough to entice him to bask, try raising it a couple of degrees and see if that does it.

[Cim*Forever]

Iv been sat quite still for the last hour and a half, and Rossco has decided that he needed some time on his basking dock. Hes sprawled out as I type. What a brave little turtle! I guess he probably got used to people in the pet store though. I bet if I got up he'd be back hiding pretty quick! I wonder if he even knows I can see him...

I have got a UVB light and a nice filter that blows bubbles. Iv managed to sneak up on him quiet enough to see him playing with the bubbles. I am really pleased that he has adjusted so quickly.

Oh and Rockette would be perfect if he turns out to be a she!

Thanks for your comments guys

[N4784N R4613]

Aww, he/she sounds soo cute!!!

[sarah85]

the water temp is fine and the basking temp is fine 2, u are doing good