Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I just got two baby sliders-- have no prior experience with turtles. Right now I have a 10 gal tank, incandescent light, some gravel and the water is pretty shallow (they can touch the glass with their feet). Not very clear on what kind of heater I should get (one of those aquarium heaters??)

My main concern is... one of the baby turtles looks a little sick. Starting today (all day) he has been lying on the gravel with his eyes closed. The color of his shell is lighter than the other one (which is dark green). This one looks a little faded. And just today I noticed a little scratch on his shell!! Can anyone help me?? I am really scared of losing this baby turtle...
Oh and also this one is not eating but the other one is.

Any input is appreciated, thanks so much!

First off go on the internet and read everything that you
can about turtles. They are not easy care pets as people
expect. You need two lights, one for UVB (Reptisun 5.0) and
one for heat. Make a basking area and place the heat light
over it to reach 85-90 degrees. You can use a regular household
bulb probably about 25 watts. Make sure you check the area
with thermometer for proper temps. Don't worry about a heater.
Leave the heat light on for 12 hours during the day and 10-12
hours off at night. This bulb will heat the water enough in
the small aquarium. Get rid of the gravel due to danger of
swallowing and impaction. You can buy corkbark which I like
for babies. Wedge it so it stays under the basking light.
If the temps are right and the baby is warm enough he should
start to eat. Try canned cat food or dog food. It may take
several attempts until he starts eating. I would also recommend
a trip to a qualified vet. Hatchlings are delicate so intervention should be quick.

Keep us posted
Linda