General Care Discussion :: New turtle.

[Random_Thoughts]

Ok, so either tomorrow or Thursday i will be getting a RES from a family member of mine. I have to take it because of the living conditions its in which i cannot stand. The poor turtle has had the same water in the tank for 6 months! You cant even really see the turtle in the water because its so green with algae! Also when it comes out of the water it is all slimy. It has no water filter,heat lamp, or anything else. The turtle is about 5 inches long and in a 20 gallon tank.The turtle actually bites the owners when ever they try to feed it, and they feed it only pellets. Can someone give me advice on what to do?

[Linus]

Don't use all clean water in its new tank, use a lot of the old water. That way all the vitamins stay in the new tank.

[Random_Thoughts]

But the water is 6 months old and full of feces and algae.

[Arisu]

Yes, but 1) algae isn't bad, 2) there are GOOD bacteria in the old tank water, and 3) the turtle has been used to that old water... very clean water may be a shock to him.

I suggest you slowly fix his habitat- not just in one setting. Using old tank water will help him adjust better

[Random_Thoughts]

ok, but how will i keep this water because i must clean the tank before it goes in the car.

[zoologist]

just dump out the water and clean the tank really well. use white vinegar to clean the tank as opposed to bleach.
you need to get ASAP:
a basking dock
a water heater
a UVB lamp AND a heat lamp.
a good filter


later on you will want to get a larger tank.


check out the link in the nutrition section for "turtle jello shots" they're very healthy for turtles!

also check out the indoor set up section for ideas on how to set up your tank

good luck! you're a good person for helping this turtle. can't wait to see pictures!

[Random_Thoughts]

Thanks. Yah before i get the turtle i will have to get that stuff. Would some guppies,vegetables,and pellets be good to start off with for the turtle since it has only had pellets? Also i cant find where the turtle jello shots would be on here.

[bradmeisel]

Here is alink to the jello shots. The turtle is very lucky you came around. I think clean water would not hurt the turtle at all. In fact, I think it is the best way to set up your new tank. There is so much info on this site -- especially the basic care section to start. Good luck with your new turtle.

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17486

[Random_Thoughts]

I will have to make those jello shots soon. Also what kind of filter should i get for a 20 gallon tank? Also i have a heat lamp and bulb, but i used the bulb for my bearded dragon before we got it a new tank. The heat bulb is a Zoo Med Nocturnal Infrared Heat Lamp 50W, would this work?

[Daniel3507]

you will need a filter that can cycle the tank at least 3 times an hour. the bulb wll work okay for heat but you will also need a uvb bulb

[marisa]

For heat, you can just use a regular incandescent light bulb. But your turtle also needs a UVB light.

[Random_Thoughts]

ok thanks what kind of aquatic plants should i get? ive been reading around and havent found any good answers

[Daniel3507]

http://www.redearslider.com/plants.html

[bigG]

I just bought some anarcharis and the turtles went "crazy." The male uses it as a floatation device while he munches. Of course, there's a mess in the tank but I think they really enjoyed the plants. I bought quite a bit because the store had a 30% discount if you bought more than three bunches.

[marisa]

These would be for decoration or for the turtle to eat? Any real plant you put in the tank for decoration is likely to be trashed and/or eaten. That said, anacharis is a good one to have some of in the tank. Most turtles like to nibble one it and they can make a mess with it, though. If it's legal in your state to buy, it will come in bunches. You might want to keep a few in a separate container of water and put them in separately as they strands are eaten. If you're in a warm climate, water hyacinth is good, as is duckweed. There also a list in the main section if you look.

It's good to have a combination of real and fake plants in the tank---the real ones for eating and the fake ones to look nice. Your turtle will quickly learn which is which.