General Care Discussion :: Newbie Turtle Owner

[newfoundlander61]

I am looking to acquire my first turtle species and have decided on one RES after reading all the species care sheets and information I could find via google.

Q1. The hatchling is about the size of a 50 cent coin. Can sex be determined at this size as I would like to get a male as it should not get quite as big as the females.

Q2. My understanding is to buy the correct size tank in relation to the full grown size when they are adults. Does this apply for a single hatchling. The reason I ask is at the store where I plan to get one, the tank they are in is very large with about 5-6 inches of water. The one thing I noticed is how far the basking area is down from the actual light above due to the water level. Should the tank be say a 20 gallon to start and how much water needs to be added for a hatcling size.

Thats it for now, I want to get the correct tank first and setup before bringing one home. Thanks for any info, much appreciated.

[rsour24]

Q1: sex can only be determined around 4"
Q2: pets stores do not have good housing for their turtles, they r there to sell, not care for. you should as big as a tank as u can, if u get a female you will need a 120gallon tank in the end. general rule of thumb is 10 gallons per inch of turtle

[steve]

Some basic tips here: http://www.redearslider.com/general_tips.html

If you adopt an older turtle, you should know what the sex is and can plan accordingly.

[newfoundlander61]

Thanks rsour24 & Steve for the feedback, I am reading the link you posted

[mikee]

Newfound - I would suggest that you buy as large a set up as you can afford as they grow very fast and you will find yourself up sizing every year or so. Stick to the rules of the turtle road and you will be fine. Use proper lighting, temp and liberal filter pump. I love spending someone elses money. HA Good luck.

[newfoundlander61]

LOL Thanks Mike