Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm new to turtles so can you give me some advice? This is what I'm doing so far: I keep my turtles in a 10 gallon tank. I have a basking place and a heater. Everyday, I feed them a varied meal of raw beef,shrimp,greens, and pellets. If you have other suggestions, please tell me.

Thanks!

How many turtles do you have and how big are they?

A heater really isn't necessary in an enclosure that size.
If you have a basking light it will heat the water during
the day. I never use heaters with my turtles

Linda

I have two turtles. They are each about 1 and a quarter inch. I will try to get a basking light and a bigger tank, but they are doing fine.

Well your doing alright. I would definetly suggest a much larger aquarium in the near future. But with the setup you have I would add a basking light, and a filter since you didnt mention that in your post. I guess since its such a small tank you could just do routine water changes like 3 times a week instead. Up to you... Make sure the water temp is in around 78 and the basking temp is around 85-95 degrees. Then I would change up the diet. Raw beef and shrimp arnt the best. I would stick with a good commercial pellet like Reptomin or Mazuri as a staple, then some feeders like rosies (fish), and crickets three times a week. You can feed them some shrimp but I would just use it as kind of a snack. They may also eat some veggies like romaine lettuce or aquatic plants like Anacharis. But since there so young they may not, usually they start eating greens when they get a little more mature. Still good to have some Anacharis in the tank though. Helps keep the water clean besides offering them something to munch on...

-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! I will get a filter as soon as possible. By the way, I just noticed, both of my turtles have different shells. Is this normal? If not, can you give some helpful suggestions?

Thank you!

Get a thermometer for the water too. I think it's great if you don't need a heater but you should check the water temp to make sure you don't need it.
I must use them in my tanks, it's way too cold in this house in winter without one & it's also way too cold in summer because of the air conditioner running so much.
I just can't get by without heaters in my tanks.
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PHRatz

My turtles are having a problem. Now they never swim around or bask.They just hide under the floatable dock with their heads and feet tucked in their shells, or huddle under the heater. They stay like this for hours and hours. I am scared to lose my turtles. Please help!

Whats the water temp?
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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!

I guess the water temp is in the range of 60-75.

Well 60 and 75 is a HUGE difference. The water for hatchlings needs to stay between 78-80 degrees. They need warmer water than adults. Raise that water temp and be sure to have a basking light over the basking area and they should become more active if there not already ill.

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!

I guess you're right. I am looking for another heater, but so far, no luck. Can you tell me where I can find a suitable heater?

Thanks!

>>I guess you're right. I am looking for another heater, but so far, no luck. Can you tell me where I can find a suitable heater?
>>
>>Thanks!

I bought Ebo Jager brand online at thatpetplace.com
I liked them because the glass was made of Pyrex. Today I don't see any advertising that says they are made of Pyrex so I'm not sure if the newer ones are.
I have had wonderful luck with that brand.
There are several other brands that are good submersible heaters, I find better ones online than I do in my local pet stores. Maybe do a google search for aquarium heaters?
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PHRatz