First off with two RES that equal around 4 inches in length together, a 20 gallon tank is already way too small to be buying. You need at least a 40 gallon and the larger you go now, the better since you will be saving money in the long run from numerous upgrades. Remember it is 10 gallons per inch of turtle when figuring which tank to get and their home must grow with them.
You will need a stable basking area (big enough for both at one time), preferably one that floats with the water level or is above the water since RES are aquatic and need as much swimming room/water as you can give them in their habitat.
Over the basking area, you will need a heat light (regular household bulb will do) and a UVB light that emits 7-10% UVB rays. Both of these lights are extremely important to the health of your turtles. Remember that the basking temp should be around 88-90 degrees.
You will need a filter rated rated 3x's the tank size. Filters are rated for fish, and turtles are much messier.
A water heater to maintain the correct water temp (78 for hatchlings, 72-75 for older turtles) is a necessity. If the water isn't the correct temperature or it fluctuates, it will lead to health issues for your turtles.
Do not put gravel in the bottom of a turtles tank. If ingested they can become impacted which requires surgery or worse. Most keepers either keep the bottom of the tank bare or use larger river rocks. Just be sure anything placed in the tank as decor is larger than the turtles head.
Fake/real plants are good as resting and hiding spots and help the turtles feel more at ease.
There's much more to learn about keeping RES than this, but hopefully you get the picture.
Read through the main site and the forum as well for much more info. BTW, it is illegal to sell RES under 4 inches but not to own them.
thanks!
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 4:25 pm I have no idea what to do!