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I was given 2 RESs for a housewarming gift, so I was quite un-prepared for them. We did go buy a 10 gallon fish starter kit for them. I added alot of river rocks, more on one side than the other, so they can "walk" up to a basking area (the water doesnt cover that area), and they also have a floating block they love (that was given to me with the turtles).

The tank did come with 2 bulbs, although Im not sure what kind, or the wattage since I am at work while I post this. I haven't checked the water temp yet, although it seems very cool. I currently have the tank in front of a window on my dresser, since that was really the only available space. Now, I do live in Florida, so it doesnt get very cold by the window.

I didn't intall the filter, because its for a fish tank, so its not long enough, I will have to get a hose attachment.

The turtles (Victor and Schwan) are doing great, they are both eating, although Victor perfers to be in the water more, will sleep under the water, but Schwan likes the floating block alot, and spends most of her time there.

I have tried giving them carrots, but I don't know how I am supposed to present them to them, because they are real small yet, about 2 inches maybe. Do I slice them, or basicly grate them?

My main question is: I don't have the $$ right now to go buy a bigger tank, or special lighting and a water heater. How healthy will my turtles stay before I have to get those things?

Welcome. Some housewarming gift. You're asking a question that no one can really answer. Obviously the sooner you get them what they need, the better.

When you say 2 inches each, do you mean just the shell length (without the curve) or are you including the head and tail? When you measure them, measure just the shell length without the curve.

For a bigger tank, you might look into something like a Rubbermaid or Sterilite storage container to use for the time being. Is it warm where you are (at least 75F) and not really breezy? If so, until you get the UVB light, you could take them outside several times a week for some sun for about an hour at a time (good if you can supervise them). For a basking lamp, you can use a regular lightbulb (but they will also need a UVB light if they're staying indoors). Adapting the filter so it can be used will help keep up the water quality.

They're eating pellets? (If so, that's good). For carrots, I make very thin peels that look like worms for my turtles.

Since you're a new owner, you really need to do some reading on the basics (there's a lot of info). Ask if you have specific questions.

Yes, the measurement is just the shell. They are quite tiny. I did have them in a rubbermaid container, because they were given to me in an XX large martini like glass. It was waaayyy too small. I wanted to take them out of there though, because I have 2 very frisky cats, and I am afraid they will try to "bat" at the turtles.

I have them eating the baby pellets, and they really like it, although 1 eats more than the other.

It is about 75F here regularly, although now the weather is getting cooler. Will the light from the fish tank supply enough light temporaraly?

Thanks for the advice, and I have been reading everything!! I am actually learning alot, I thought RESs were much easier to care for then they really are!

You should try to move the tank away from the window. The sun can heat up the water which could literally boil your turtles.

The light from the fish tank is flourescent? Flourescent lights don't provide enough heat, so they still need a heat light for the basking area (that light bulb I mentioned). And, the fish light isn't a UVB light. They will still need a UVB light. If you put the UVB light in the same fixture as the fish light was in (I'm assuming it's a tube), take out any plexiglass/glass that's over the light. A barrier such as this will keep the UVB ray from reaching your turtle (he needs UVB rays to synthesize Vit D3, which he needs to be able to absorb the calcium in his diet). Since it's getting cooler where you are (it's really cool where I am), really try to improve their set-up and get them the things they need.