Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently (today) aquired a huge tank and 2 turtles. One is a red-eared slider (came from pet store 1 year ago) I was told what the Pacific was, and where it came from (locally made a pet 13 years ago). Is it ok that these 2 share a tank? I could search the net, but seems alot easier if I can just ask someone about it for starters. =)

It appears the Pacific has a fungus/shedding problem (slider seems fine)...Can I do the recommened salt water treatment I have read about online to this native turtle? I can take pictures and post if it will help someone to help me. I cleaned the tank and all rocks and even rinsed the turtles a bit before putting back in tank. The water was gross..:-/ Is it normal for turtles to shed pieces of their shells? Like shedding/growing I found alot of them when I changed the water....

I do not think they have been getting enough or any of the required sun either. It did not come with the proper lighting for that. . I will purchase asap. Also, if they have been unproperly cared for, and then all of a sudden begin to get proper care, can this cause harmful body changes to the turtles? I know it did to an iguana once we inhierited as well. Neglected, then cared for properly and seemed to physically be unable to handle the rapid change in growth...something like that I was told by the reptile vet...:-/ Was many years ago and I was sad for it...I do not want to kill the turtles...

Anyone who has information about these 2 turtles living together and the proper way to deal with their living arrangements would be greatly appreciated. Or even some direction on the best places to gather information as well. Thank you in advance...

Becca

Do you mean a Pacific Pond Turtle? If so, this spcies has a relatively long tail, subject to biting by an agressive species such as the RES, although I kept one in a community tank for quite awile without major problems. i would set them up and observe their interacvtive behavior berfore making a final decision. A wee-fed turtle is less agressive than a hungry one.

Thank you for the reply very much.

Yes, I meant Pacific pond turtle. I'm sorry I didn't write the whole name. The 2 turtles have been together a year now, and show no signs of not getting along. The RES does not seem overly aggressive to the PPT. I do however think I need to watch them while eating. The RES will eat everything...and fast too! I am watching them alot so as to get to know them better. Interesting creatures they are. I like them. =) Pokey and Red neck are their names.

I went and spent some $$$ on them today.. A UV light, calcium block for the water, vitamins. As well as an under gravel filter. Previously it had a thing that only moved the water around. I also got them some turtle food and a book on the RES and other pond turtles. It seems very helpful. They are in a 50 gallon tank btw.

Anyone that may read this, if you have anything to add of your own experience on these 2 turtles together or even seperately, let me know here. Please. Books are good, but personal experience on pet care is better...

Thank you again...

Pac ponds are usually pretty shy. RES are very aggressive, very messy eaters. they are known to bite all sorts of other turtles. Pac ponds do show conspecific aggression (especially in fighting over choice basking spots) but i have never heard of them attacking other species. Many keepers of pac ponds speak of frequent shell problems linked to less than ideally clean water. Since RES are so messy and the tank is only 50 gallons i'd consider seperating them unless you are willing to clean like crazy and/or get a bigger tank.
Can you get chlorhexidine ("Nolvasan" for the shell problems?

sorry no smilie intended....stupid emoticons!