Habitat - Indoor :: water temp question

[owiejojo]

Hi, new member What should the water temp. be for baby RES about 2 inches long. The fella at the pet store told me no heater necessary, room temp fine. They are by a window and have basking light. thanks.

Julie in GA

[SpotsMama]

Keep the temp around 78 degrees until he/she grows up, then you can lower it to around 75. If the tank is by the window, be real sure it doesn't heat up too much from the sun. The sun can heat water much too much for a turtle.

[DavidY]

Also keeping the tank by the window is not a good idea during the cooler months as turtles (especially babies) are very susceptible to respiratory infections (pneumonia) which they can easily catch from a cold drafty window. You will probably need the heater when the fall comes or if you keep your house on the cool side.

Make sure to read the information in the RES Basic Care link at the top of the page.