Feeding and Nutrition :: Live plant advice

[Breger3]

Hello!

We got two 3 month old RES for my daughter for Christmas, she loves them. We were told when we got them that once they were home with us for about a week we could put in a live plant for them to munch on.

I love this idea, but I'm wondering what do you look for when picking a live plant for them to eat. I've had fish tanks before but never bothered with live plants, so I have no idea what to shop for, especially since it will be a food source.

We've been feeding them Reptomin food sticks and they have been eatting those, but I'd like to slowly add more things to their diet.

Thanks in advance for any help!

[BullDog]

This section lists some good water plants you can put in with your RES:
http://www.redearslider.com/plants.html

Keep in mind, that water plants are generally expensive, and most RES destroy any plants in a short time. I get my RES plants on rare occasions, for a treat. Cost wise, you're better sticking to leafy greens. Just remember to take out old greens after about a day.

[taanddean]

I've had the same question! Growing lettuce and such in the tank seems impractical, but there must be something I can plant in the tank and let my turtle munch. Ideas? Please??

[marisa]

Anacharis. You don't have to even plant it in the tank, just let it float. You buy it in groups of strands. Since turtles can make a mess with it, you might put a strand or two in the tank and keep the rest in a separate container of water. Put a few in the tank gradually as they are eaten. They are easy to root as well.

[Breger3]

Thank you! We are going out tomorrow to buy something, so I will look for this!

[Chrisbarnett]

I don't think you will be able to get Anacharis in Michigan.

Anacharis in aquariums, and as food for goldfish 2/29/08
Hi!
Just wanted to let you know that Anacharis is no longer being sold in Michigan. It's illegal because of the invasive nature of the plant.

Source:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWsubwebinde ... dgfaqs.htm

[Breger3]

Bummer, any ideas then?

[steve]

Have you tried Ebay?

[VanishingReality]

If you go to http://www.drsfostersmith.com they will ship to Michigan.

[Breger3]

Went to a store today, and they were actually selling the Anacharis, so we bought some. I've got it in some water now, and will put some in tomorrow after I clean their tank.

[VanishingReality]

What store did to happen to get it from? I am also in Michigan and am wondering where to get some.

[Breger3]

Are you anywhere near Macomb county?

[cassharper]

I've never had good luck keeping plants in my turtles tank. If it's tasty for turtles, it goes faster than it grows. Of course, I could put things in their that turtles don't like, but that would be kind of counterproductive.

I grow mine in fish tanks then take trimmings and feed it to the turtle. It's not enough to be a staple, but makes for a nice treat when I trim the tank.