Hello everyone. I am new here and new to keeping turtles. I have kept many reptiles before and even tortoises, but never turtles. I purchased 2 baby RES at a reptile show back in August, they still had there egg tooth. I currently have them in a 10 gal tank, with land area, a basking area, and swimming area. From reading some of the past posts, I have come to the conclusion that I am def. overfeeding them. I usually feed them until they are no longer hungry. I feed tham a very varied diet. Everthing from commercial pellets, frozen blood worms, carrots. But they will NOT eat anything green! LOL I know this sounds bizarre, but I have honestly tried everything from collared grens, kale, dandelion leaf, they just wont eat it. I keep trying and will continue. But my reason for writing today is, I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on where I could go about finding them a bigger and better enclosure? I am in desperate need of a larger tank! Right now the filter I have in the tank is taking up way too much of there swimming room, thou they seem to very much enjoy swimming in the current! LOL So, if anyone could give me any advice, ideas, suggestions, anything on where to obtain a more appropriate tank for my little guys I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you all in advance, Danielle
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In desperate need of a lager enclosure!
Replies (8)
Im a little confused... Are you looking for a cheap alternative? If so rubbermaid containers work well. You can buy a 50gal for like $10. If your just looking for an aquarium any glass aquarium will do. I would suggest at least a 55gal though. With 2 RES you are going to need quite a bit of room. Be sure to avoid those cheaper "reptile" aquariums though. They are made with thinner glass and can shatter from the pressure of the water...think they have a hole built into the bottoms anyway, but just in case...
-Chris
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Currently in the US Navy so I have sold off my collection. But over the years I have had dozens of turtles, fish, geckos, and other lizards. Cant wait to get back in the hobby once im out though!
Sorry Chris, I'm horrible at trying to "get to the opint", lol
I guess what I was trying to find out, was other people's ideas and suggestions, what works best for them and/or what doesnt work. I have been looking online for several weeks trying to find an enclosure suitable for my 2 RES. Money is not too much of an issue. I know I can get a glass tank 65 gal or more, but realize, the RES dont need the hieght as much as they would need the surface area, hmmmmmm..... I'm still not sure of exactly what I am looking for, lol, that's why I was looking for other's input. Thanks for take the time to respond, Danielle
Hi was just reading your post, and I don't know where you live but in NY they sell a special tank for water turtles. It is not as high as a regular tank, and one side is lower where you hang the filter. Really nice. It is about $300.
Terry
The height in 65/75 gallon tanks will be usable as the turtles grow, which might happen quicker than you'd expect. Especially since baby redears are hard to overfeed when they can get to warm temps.
Actually, your answer brings another question to mind. My RES are approx 4 months old. They have grown a significant amount already. I really didn't think they would grow this fast! But I was wondering when they are considered "adults" and when I was to start feeding them every other day?
Actually, I am in NY. I id come across this tank that you mentioned, I did like it alot, it did seem that it would be very conveinent. But than I read some reviews that it wasn't a very stable tank.
I see... Well for two adults your eventually going to need a pretty good size tank so I would just go ahead and go big. It will save you some money in the long run. I would say a 75gal (or bigger) would be a good size. Its long, wide, and has a good height to it so they have some depth. I would not get one of those tanks made specifically for turtles... They are way overpriced. Save the money and use it for a good filter.
-Chris
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Currently in the US Navy so I have sold off my collection. But over the years I have had dozens of turtles, fish, geckos, and other lizards. Cant wait to get back in the hobby once im out though!
Thanks so much Chris! I do apreciate it!
