Habitat - Indoor :: buying a RES

[da_flipkid]

im goin to get my first turt so im kinda new at this. i have finally built a great setup.... in a 55 gallon tank, now ima buy the turtle at petco and i was just wonderin how do i introduce my newly aquired pet to its new environment or "home"...... cause im not sure if put him on the little area thats above the water or lay my turt in the water gently

[kiwigerman]

I don't think it really matters. Either way I think he/she will be a bit freaked out at first. But don't worry, eventually it will become comfortable and less skiddish.

[Blue Flamingo]

I think that you should just put it in the water because it's just going to frantically jump into the water anyways. Do you have any hiding spots for it? By the way your new turtle probably wont come onto the basking area for a few day or a week, but don’t worry, if the heating and lighting are correct it will eventually go up there.

[DavidY]

It's a good idea to get the whole thing setup and running (water, filter and heater) a full day before you get your turtle. That will give you time to get the temperature adjusted properly and make sure there are no leaks or anything. Also make sure you have your basking area setup with the heat and UVB lamps setup so you have a 88-90 degree basking temperature.

Once you put your new turtle in there, you should leave him alone for the several days to a week as much as possible (aside from feeding, checking temps, cleaning filter, water change, etc.). If it's a baby, it may take longer for him to settle in.

I mentioned in your introduction post that you may want to consider adopting your RES as there are a lot of unwanted turtles out there in need of a good home.

[da_flipkid]

thanks for all the help i appreciate it