General Care Discussion :: In a bad situation with my RESs. URGENT

[Shintroy]

I've had these two RES for about three months and I'm just learning about this site.
One of my turtles (male) has a RI (had it for at least a week and a half and I am flat out BROKE(no job and moving).
Yesterday I bought a 20 gallon tank, and a real log for basking ( not sure if it shouldve been real help on this one)
I've been feeding them each the Krill and food sticks along with cooked noodles(as a snack) and oranges (no skin just the pulp).
Since yesterday I've been keeping them in seperate tanks and have been changing the male's water every 2-3 hours so i can keep it around 80.

What are the most important items I should buy for these turtles?
I am extremely tight on money I'm willing to sell for these turtles. I can gather up about 50 dollars.

Again I only have a tank and a basking log. I dont want the male to die. He's top priority.

[BiteyBits]

I got mine recently too! I suggest looking at the main site and reading ALL the care info. Then get on craigslist/ebay and look for deals.

They need basics:
A water heater, will keep the water warm all the time.
A basking light, or two. One if it's MVB, and two if one is UVB and the other regular for heat.

How big are they?

Also, you will have to find a way to get the male to a vet RI doesn't clear on it's own. I've never experienced it but I've read a lot of posts on here and it is a serious condition. Call around- maybe there's a super nice vet in your area that is willing to work with you. Or, someone who is willing to take the male and get him treatment.

[Shintroy]

I read a good amount of the threads here but again I'm on a budget. I've looked into a water heater and the basking lights.
Pet shop only have UVA lights ( i'm going to check another pet shop in the future.)
all together I'd need about 8 8 12 20 20 dollars :\

I'll settle with a filter and basking lights for now, water heater can wait

the turtles are about an inch and 3/4 inch long

How much would a visit to the vet cost?
Can I treat this illness at home?

[Spike 7.62]

Turtle keeping costs a lot of money, there's no two ways about that. There should be deals to be found on equipment, but there aren't always. Try amazon, ebay and craigslist.

The first thing you need to buy is a heat lamp, bulb and thermometer. They are well within your budget and aside from antibiotic shots, will provide the best treatment against RI. Water temp doesn't help your turtle when he's basking, so get a 150w bulb and put some UVB rays on him. If you have the money, get the best water filter you can afford.

Also, stop feeding him noodles and oranges and don't feed that to him again in the future. Mostly he should be eating the pellets, so ease up on the krill too. Add calcium to his diet by offering cuttlebone.

Lastly, reading forum posts isn't really enough. Read the main website for the facts and form your own course of action. All we can do is give our ideas and opinions when it's convienant, whereas redearslider.com will tell you everything you need to know any time of day.

I want to again re-iterate that turtle keeping is an expensive, long term commitment. Sometimes we need to reasses what we are actually able to do. All I'm saying is take some time to think about if you can keep this turtle in proper living conditions for the next 10-15 years or if it should be re-homed until you are "on your feet", so to speak.

-Spike

[BiteyBits]

Here, this is from the main site-
If you look at the very top of the screen and click the far left 'redearslider.com' it goes to the homepage and there are links there to a lot of good info at the top by topic.

http://www.redearslider.com/major_illne ... uries.html

I would suggest getting the heater and light and waiting on the filter, consistent heat is vital especially if one is sick. Filtration you can do without with water changes and spot cleaning often for a while and keep the water in good condition. But there's really no other way to keep a consistent water temp except with a heater.

I've never treated RI, but just keep him warm and eating, and separate from the other turtle. I've never heard of it clearing on it's own.

I don't know how much a vet would cost it varies per vet. But there's no cost to start calling around and looking for a herp vet and ask them their prices and for some free advice. That way if your turtle does get worse and you decide he does have to go in, you already know where to go.
Maybe you'll find one willing to discount or do a 'bill me later' arrangement? OR you maybe have skills you could trade with?

[BiteyBits]

Spike is right about the feeding.

And the cost. I'm lucky that I used to breed guppies and have stuff in storage I can just get out and not have to buy. The start up cost for everything can easily be several hundred dollars, depending on how big you go on the tank and if you find any good deals or not.

Good luck.

[Shintroy]

Thanks for the replies especially Spike's
The smaller turtle has taken a turn for the worse I'm afraid.
It's a lot more lively, has been eating more, but now has fungus on its back legs. I'm going to the pet store tomorrow to get the a lamp and UVB bulb and filter.

What should I do until then?
right now i'm keeping the tank dry on one side and wet on the other by keeping it angled so the fungus doesnt get any worse.
I'm not sure if I should feed him today or not.
Please respond asap
thanks for the replies again. Wish him well. (havnt named em yet D:

[steve]

Hi Shintroy, what are the symptoms that make you think your turtle has RI? If one does have RI or an illness/imjury, it would be best to separate them. If your turtles are small, you can use rubbermaid containers, though they should only be filled about half-way.

Can you describe the fungus? Most people confuse fungus with skin shedding. If it is thin, wispy and disappears when dry, its just skin.

[Marcus.85]

I wanted to add that if you position the spot light closer to the basking area you can downgrade the bulb.. to 75 or even 50watts... that'd save you a bit of money.

[BiteyBits]

You're welcome.

Yes you should feed him today.

I would also suggest putting the tank level so it doesn't crack or tip over. Just make a dry are that they can easily climb up on with an incline. Use anything submersible that is non toxic and will stay in place.

Also, is is possible you you to post some pics?

[Bascomb]

S-troy - In the short term I would suggest that you "invest" in keeping the water at 80 degrees with uva and UVB lighting for basking. Keep the basking area at about 90 to 92 degrees until the sick one get over his illness. The next thing is to keep the water very clean. Since you don't have a filter you will have to change the water every couple of days. Turtles are not cheap to keep. The next thing will be to up sizing everyting as they grow, which mean more and more money!! Good Luck.