Habitat - Indoor :: Yearning for Learning

[ofyourgrace]

I currently have 2 (about 1.5inch) RES in a basic starter tank (20 gallon).
I am moving into a larger house and am upgrading to a large tank in the next month or so. I don't want to move them around too much before the big move and stress them out or make them uncomfortable.
I have a few basic questions before I start investing in the new equip... This site has been more than helpful with the basics. But some personal experience and input would be MUCH appreciated

Are artificial or real aqua plants better? possibly both?

What types of fish, if any, are safe for co-hab with RES?

What are the safest/sturdiest/most durable materials to fabricate basking areas with?

Any special tips for the especially small turts.. Mine fall in the "under 4"' category??

Also.. anything I should absolutely not use/feed/place in tank.. just general bad-news-bears kind of stuff.

Any and all help is much appreciated!
Harry, Houdini, and I thank you for you time and support

[Kemul]

Let's see if I can answer those...

Plastic plants are for decorative purpose and usually function as resting place for
turtles to hold on too. Real plants will likely be destroyed or eaten by the turtles.
A good plant to have in a turtle tank is anacharis; it looks good, healthy for turtle,
but may clog the filter if destroyed by the turtle.

RES likes to eat fish. Any fish you put together with RES is fair game. If you don't
mind the fish being eaten, good fish for turtle is guppies or rosy red minnows
(so I've read).

So far, best basking area materials are egg crate (light diffuser) for plastic and
cork bark for natural material.

The main site has the information you need regarding hatchling care already.
Not much to add here, I think.

RES is a hardy animal to keep. I guess common sense is enough to keep RES.
Follow the guidelines from the main site for best care.

Sorry if I can't help much.

[SabrinaF]

Do not feed goldfish, they are fattening. Do not use gravel, could cause harm to your babies.

[ofyourgrace]

I had originally put gravel in.. before I found this site and learned of the harmful swallowing possibilities. I have since traded gravel for the river rock in my Beta tank. Turns out, the Beta's colors look brighter against the black gravel anyhow. WIN-WIN

quick q? ... Harry had a white (i called it a beak) pointy-ish thing on his nose when I first got him. It has since fallen off? Is that the 'egg tooth'? And does that give way to a possible guess-timation as to their age?

[SabrinaF]

I haven't had a hatchling so I don't know.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl= ... /www.pbase

Does it look like that? If so it's safe to assume how old they are

[ofyourgrace]

A few pictures of their temporary home.. I like to think of it as their vacation condo.. and once I get the 55 Gallon ready.. it'll be their mansion

Houdini is camera shy..


Home Sweet Home


Let there be light


Home-made basking dock till the bigger tank is ready



Please feel free to let me know if I should change anything.. all criticism is welcomed

thanks

[akaghettoraver]

I only recommend when you get the 55 gal up and running I would leave it bare bottom, it will stay much cleaner with less maintenance;) Good luck and about the white beak, I would say that was the egg tooth. Your baby must have just hatched

[ofyourgrace]

I have since taken all the pebbles out of the bottom.. Much easier to maintain

He must have.. cause it fell off only a day or so after I got him.