General Care Discussion :: New Turtle Coming Today

[biohazard43]

Hey everyone. I have been reading this forum for a long time now as I wanted to make sure I knew what to do before I purchased a RES. I Have recently come across a deal however that I could not pass up. While I am sure I will be able to take care of the new turt I am scared that I will not give it a nourishing and happy home.

The turt I am purchasing is one off of CL who looks like it has not been taken care of properly. It is a 9 yr old male RES. The current owners have him in a 55Gal tank with No Basking Light/UVB light. From the pitcure of the tank I saw online they only had about 4-5 inches of water in the tank. . I have decided that instead of buying a new turt from the pet store I could be a savoir for this little guy.

My plan is to fill the tank to about 3/4 of the way up and use the last 1/4 for the basking area. My plan is to have the basking area raised in the water on four stand offs so that under it is completly wide open. I plan on using river rocks and other ornaments for entertainment and of course I am going to surround the edges of the basking area with a wall so he can't escape.

I have purchased a filter that can handle 250gph and I am currently shopping around for a bigger tank. something in the 90-100Gal range. I have also picked up a heater and a digi thermometer with two probes.

My last hurdle is the lights. I know this is probably a very common begginer questions hwoever I need some advice. I know I need a UVB and I need a basking light. I have been told and have read on these forums that a standard incandescent light is fine for a basking light as they give off alot of heat. The UVB light on the other hand is alittle trickier. I want to get a standard bulb type UVB light with a clip on fixture. DO I have to have both the UVB and Basking light very close to the basking area or can the UVB be farther away and simply shine on the basking area? Also should I get a UVB 2.0 or 5.0?


I'm sorry for the length of the message I am just so excited to go pick up the little guy today.

[Kemul]

The regular light bulb is needed for heat. The distance from your basking area
will depend on the temperature reading; move it closer if you need to get the
temperature higher. Generally, you want the basking area to be 10°F higher than
the water temperature to entice the turtle to bask.

The UVB bulb should be around 12" from the basking area. Most people here use
the 5.0 UVB bulb. Too close and the turtle's eyes can become irritated.

If you plan to use 90-100 gallon tank, the 250gph filter will just barely clean the
water. I'd suggest getting a more powerful filter, the one that can cycle the water
about 5 times per hour. Or, add another filter to reach that cycling rate.

Sounds like you're off to a good start. Please post some photos. Good luck!

Oh, kudos to you for "rescuing" a turtle instead of buying yet another hatchling!

[jozzep]

1 male RES would do just fine in a 55 gal.
Just stick to your plan of filling to the top and building an above tank basking area, the 250 gph filter, and a heater that keeps the water at 75 degrees.
Instead of putting 2 lights (unless you purchased them already) buy a MVB (mercury vapor bulb) that does both heat and UVB.You'll save on the electric and buying multiple fixtures.
Set a thermometer on the basking platform and make sure the temperature is at 90 degrees.
Good luck with your new turtle.

[biohazard43]

Thank you for your post. I am so excited to finally pick up an RES. I hope that the little guy isn't in too bad of shape I would be heart broken if the little guy is sick. I don't have a 100Gal tank yet and am currently going to use the 55 gal until I get paid next week. Do you have any suggestions for the correct temperatures for the water and basking area. I was thinking 78 for the water and 88 for the basking area? is that too hott??

[biohazard43]

Where cann I get an MVB and how much are they?

[untsmurf]

You can buy them online definitely, and they should be available in your local pet store. Doing a quick scan online, it looks like it costs $45-50.

[biohazard43]

Thanks for the input. I think I will just stick with the two lights however since I have plenty of 60W bulbs and I already have 2 clamp lamps. I will just need to pick up a UVB light. This is assuming that the owner of the turtle now doesn't have one.

Just to clarify I should have a 5.0 UVB and have it 12 inches from the basking area?

[BullDog]

That's such a great thing for you to do! It sounds like you're really prepared!

12" for the 5.0 should be just fine.

On the water, 78 might be a bit on the warm side. If he seems a bit sluggish or sick, you can keep it warmer, like at 78-80, but generally I keep my water at about 74-76.
88 for the basking temp would be perfect.

[biohazard43]

So the little guy has arrived. His name is Terrapin. After an hour long drive back home I got his new home setup and got him in it. As soon as I put him in his tank he popped his head out dove in the water and hasn't stopped since. I got hgim a few feeder fish for being a good boy during the trip. I have some pitcutres of the setup I'm trying to send them to my Email from my phone so I can post them here. I have reallyt bad reception in my office though.


P.S. I decided to keep the water at 75-76 degrees and I am keeping the basking temp at 86-88