Feeding and Nutrition :: Food questions

[taanddean]

Are all dandilions created equal? I had been told to NEVER feed anything that was 'milky' when you broke open the stem. Some dandilion leaves are, some aren't. What about buying food in bulk? Does it get stale, old, etc? Would freezing it help? I just got my RES a new tank---40 gallon Rubbermaid---and want to put in some aquatic plants now that I will have a bit of room. What's best, and can I get them at a local garden and pond shop? Is there a danger of getting a variety that might make him sick, or is water hyacyinth (for example) all the same, even if it's a different variety? What else can I grow in a spare tank for him to munch? (Veggies, etc) I'd like to get away from processed food and grow a lot of his diet; is that practical?

On a slightly different topic, are there pictures/ideas for habitats with indoor oval stock tanks? I'm not sure how I want to set it up, and have only gotten as far as I NEED A BIGGER FILTER!! Ideas?

Thanks!!!

taanddean

[steve]

I would probably only use leaves and not give it to a RES if it was milky - it would also reduce the mess in the water. I've heard that it should not be milky or only have a very small amount in it. I just buy a fresh head of red leaf once a week instead.

You can look at online (ebay), at local garden or pond shop. You might want to get a small sample from a pet store first to see if your turt likes it. There is a list of aquatic plants here: http://www.redearslider.com/plants.html Generally, whatever you get from a pet store should be fish and turtle safe.

There are a handful of oval stock tank setups... mostly in the indoor forum section.

How much water do you need to filter?

[taanddean]

Hi Steve, and thanks for the reply. I'll start looking for stuff at local shops--feel better about taking a chance now. I have the list of aquatic plants from the website, but was worried about varieties. Thanks!

40 gallon tank to filter. The filter I have now will take care of about 20-25, but not real well. I have an on-going problem with green water. Not bad, just a green cast aaaall the time. The filter actually seems to make it worse??? Could the water be too warm? Yertle likes it a bit warmer than is recommended, but I wonder if I'm growing algae?

I saw a DIY filter somewhere online that looked good--made from a 5 gallon bucket. Didn't save it, and can't find it. I have lots of filter material stocked back ready for him, but can't find charcol except for the tiny stuff at WalMart. I have a pump from the in-house water system in a motor home--should be more than strong enough. I'll look over the indoor forum some more, too.

This forum has been a turtle's life-saver for a novice keeper. Thanks!

[steve]

Normally canister filters are the way to go and I would consider them in 40 gallon tanks but if you are using a Rubbermaid container, then it's not likely full. You might want to just stick with what you have depending on how long you plan to use that tank.

The filter you might be thinking about is a skippy filter. http://www.skippysstuff.com/biofiltr.htm