redearslider.com

So, I'm new here and I might be acquiring a turtle under some unusual circumstances. Long story short, it's a rescue from someone who bought an illegally small turtle in a horribly small tank, with no basking surface, no heat lamp, no UV lamp, etc. I'm 99% sure it's a red-eared slider, based on pics and other people's accounts of buying turtles in Chinatown.

I've been doing my research, and it sounds like 3-4 inches of water in a 10-gallon tank may work for now (with tank upgrades as the turtle grows), no pebbles, sand or anything that it might swallow by accident. I'm wondering about more specifics, though: how large should the basking surface be for a turtle this size, in a 10-gallon tank? Its shell is maybe two inches long. I'm also concerned about its health; it's been living in a tank that's six inches from end to end, and fed only on turtle pellets - apparently it hasn't been eating well, surprise surprise. I keep crested geckos and malnutrition early in life can affect them forever. Is this the same with turtles? Is there anything particular I should feed it or do for it that might help? And does a turtle this size need a heat lamp and UV lamp (I'm assuming yes)?

Sorry for all the questions. This is my first time dealing with any kind of turtle, and I'd like to give this kiddo its best chance of survival.

How big is the turtle now? Malnutrition and lack of UVB lighting can have a profound impact. It will need a heat lamp (can be an incandescent) a UVB lamp, a submersible heater and filter. First focus on acquiring that largest tank you can even if it's plastic storage container.

It's still about two, maybe two and a half inches long; very small, and the owner's had it for two months now so I think it's way smaller than it should be. Definitely going out tomorrow for the heaters and UVB lamp. Would a 20-30 gallon tank be better for a turtle this size? I have a 10-gallon glass tank at home, but I can get an old 30 from my aunt in a couple days.

A 30 gallon would be a great start. Pick up some Baby Reptomin, that is usually a good pellet for hatchlings.

Thanks for the advice! I'll pick up some Baby Reptomin, too. It's nice to know I'm on the right track here!

Sure thing. You can save some money buying the heater online (the Ebo Jager brand is highly recommended). You'd also need lamp fixtures and you can get domed ones from Home Depot/Lowes cheaply.