General Care Discussion :: Shopping List for New RES Owners

[Brianthedog18]

Well, I've been coming to this site for a long time now for help, and you guys have been AWESOME in giving me advice on how to better care for my Leo.

So, I figured I'd try to give a little something back to the community. I'm going to try to compile a complete list of items that a new owner should buy BEFORE getting their RES. This way, all the required equipment can be found in one, easy to find place. So, here it goes:

Aquarium/Stock Tank/Rubbermaid Tub - This is probably the most obvious, as it will be your turtle's home. Try to go as large as you can afford as it will save you money later on upgrades. Rubbermaid tubs and Stock tanks are great alternatives if you can't afford an all glass aquarium.

Basking Platform - A vital part of the tank. Your turtle needs to have an area where he/she can be completely out of the water to dry off and bask.

Light Fixtures - You will need both a UVB bulb to mimic the natural rays of the sun and an incandecent bulb for heat. This will allow your turtle to bask out of the water, recieve the UV rays needed to be healthy, and will allow the turtle to regulate his/her temperature. (Keep in mind, they also sell combo bulbs that are both UVB bulbs and heat bulbs in one if you choose to use that route).

Filter - Essential in maintaing a healthy and clean environment. Make sure to get a fitler made for at least 2-3 times the size tank, as the filters are made for fish and turtles are MUCH messier.

Submersible Water Heater - This is very important to make sure the water temperature stays at a constant 75-78 degrees. If you live in a warmer climate, you may be able to get away without using one as long as the temperature is within the range.

Digital Thermometer with a Probe - Use to accurately measure the water and basking temperature

(Optional) Fake/Real Plants and Other Decor - These are completely optional, but they add a nice flare to the tank, and also allow hiding places for your turtle. Keep in mind, the more you add to the tank, the more you will have to clean.

(Optional) Substrate - Many turtle owners choose not to use a substrate at all, but some like the look it adds to the tank. If you do use a substrate, make sure it is made up of items larger than your turtle's head. Absolutely avoid sand, gravel, and other things of that nature!

***Always remember to have your turtle's home completely set up and running BEFORE you bring home your new pet. There is no need to stress out the turtle by making him/her stay in a small box or other container while you set up his tank***


It's not perfect, but it's just a start. Any ideas/comments? Am I forgetting something?

[missibsu]

You might mention that UVA lights can simply be a household bulb, they aren't something fancy. And as far as I know the combo bulbs, the mercury vapor ones, have to be used on a set up 75 gallons or larger.

You might want to include links to examples of some of these items. For example, links to different basking docks available on the market would be nice. That way I know what I am looking for.

What about price estimates? This might be a little harder...since prices vary so much.

[Brianthedog18]

Thanks for the quick feedback! I like your suggestions, and I'll start to add things tomorrow, but it's already 12:30am here, so time for bed for me! lol

As for the prices, I can at least give ranges so that new owners can get an idea at least.

Well, I'll fix it up tomorrow, g'nite!

[cam722]

If I'm not mistaken steve already has something like this on the website.. it's in the download section.. it may be worded differently but it has all the basic necessities for new turtle owners. I think most people don't notice the info bar at the top of the opening forum page and few visit the website which is a shame as it has tons of info..

basic res care

[missibsu]

Good point Carol, but how many people do you know that have come to the forum first? We all recommend reading the main site, but sometimes I wonder how many people do. I'll admit that I got my wealth of information here, and then read through the information on the main site later. In some respects there is so much information on the main site that it is overwhelming. Why does there have to be so many of us people who like to take the easy way out of things? ha ha - I coulldn't be talking about myself.

[Brianthedog18]

Ah, Ok, I just looked around the main site. It took me a little while, but I found it (as I'm writing this, I realized that when you wrote 'basic res care' that it was a link and not just telling me where to look LOL).

Do you think it is worth it to reproduce something like that on the forums here? I know I never really used the main site, I just came straight here. What do you think Steve?

[steve]

Yes and thanks for the initiative. I am planning on a few things for the near future, but I do agree that most people jump to the forum first and not read the main site. Plus, some even don't read the forum and just start posting

For the future list, I was planning on including price estimates and links to a couple of reputable stores. It will be made into a sticky as well! Thanks again.