Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum, so I thought I would introduce myself and hopefully get some answers to a couple questions I have. I've been reading the previous posts, which have been really helpful, but still need a couple tips.

I should be receiving my 3 new RES hatchlings tomorrow, and I have their tank all set up and ready to go (I think...). I have a 29 gallon aquarium, filled about half-way with water. For the substrate, I used a thin, single layer of large pebbles/rocks (about quarter to half-dollar size). The turtles have the zoomed floating basking dock, and I have a zoomed combo light hood with a reptisun 5.0 bulb, as well as a day glo bulb for basking. I also have a zoomed 501 canister filter, as well as an internal Turtle Clean 318 filter. Just a couple questions, though....

First, as far as the basking light, is the dayglo bulb okay? I have read that the typical reptile basking spot light bulbs are not necessary and are really overkill. Besides, the incandescent socket on the light hood points horizontally, not vertically, so a spot light wouldn't really work there anyway. Also, would a night glo bulb be helpful for night time?

Also, I have a submergible Tetra Whisper heater (10-30 gallon). I have it as high as it will go, but the water won't get any warmer than 78 degrees. I read that hatchlings like it a bit warmer...more like 82 degrees? I'm returning the heater and trying a different brand, any suggestions, and how warm should the water be for hatchlings?

As far as the filters go, will the two filters mentioned above do the job? I've read that some people change their water weekly or bi-weekly, while others say they only have to change it every couple months??? Obviously, I'm looking for the lowest maintenance possible.

My biggest question is regarding feeding...I've read that many people have trouble getting their new hatchlings to eat. I'm trying to prepare ahead of time for this and offer them something they are most likely to eat? Any suggestions?

Lastly, I do have two small children, so I'm a little paranoid about Salmonella. I plan to practice good hygiene with the turtles...just wondering if anyone has ever gotten sick or had their kids get sick (just wondering how concerned I should really be).

Sorry this is so long, but thanks in advance for all the help! Just want to te totally prepared for the little guys when they arrive!

Ann

Wow! I am very impressed with your readiness. I brought my two baby turtles home in a 3x4 inch plastic container with no idea what I was getting into.

There are lots of turtle smart people on this forum who will probably give you advice. I would return the heater and get one that will heat the tank better in case you need to, but I think that 78 is plenty warm as long as the turtles have a good basking spot (85-90) so they can regulate their temp. I keep mine at 75, I think I kept it too warm when I first got them and they did not bask because they didn't need to warm up. I have also read that very warm temps make them grow faster. With regard to feeding, mine ate turtle pellets immediately, most people here recommend Reptomin. They also loved freeze dried shrimp treats and bloodworms...all available at the petstore. I also have anacharis and romaine lettuce leaves in the tank at all times for them to munch on (I feed them in a seperate container to keep the tank clean).

Good luck with your new friends. It sounds like they are lucky to have you!

Hi Ann,

Congrats on being a turtle owner, and I am glad you have already set up a nice habitat. One thing I would say is: return those 2 filters you have and get another one. I started out with a 20 gallon tank using the zoomed 501 filter and it did a terrible job. I bought the filter thinking that it will be a good buy since it wasn't that expensive and it stated on the box that it is intended for the needs of turtles. Well that filter is definitely not powerful enough even in a 20 gallon tank. The water flow is so weak and slow and it doesn't pick up any debrits in the tank. After I installed the zoomed 501, the water gets really cloudy in the 2nd day. And it gets extremely filty by the third day and I have to thoroughly clean the tank and do a complete water change. I then switched to an aqua clear 300 filter (which is actually $10 cheaper than the zoomed 501) and my water is crystal clear. Haven't done a water change in 3 weeks and all chemistry levels are in fine condition. I sincerely suggest that you get another filter. Even though you also have the other internal filter, that thingy doesn' really do much. If you must stay with the zoomed 501, you must get a power head to help create stronger currents. Otherwise it is a complete piece of junk.

Hope this helps!

Vege

I second the Aqua Clear 300 recommendation. Mine works great and after I bought it at the pet store for $35 on sale, I found I could get it at Big Al's Online for $18!

nahenne

You bring up an interesting point. I keep my tank at 80, both the water and basking area. My RES does not basket. It tends to hide under a leaf under in the water, near the basking lamp.

Would it be better for my RES, if I decrease the temperture of the watter to 76-78 and leave the basking area at 80 82? Would this "force" my turtle to basket more?

-Ravon

yes...u need a temperature gradient in order for your RES to bask. if the two areas are the same temp., he will not bask. i keep my water temp. around 74 and the basking area is in the upper 80's. he bask's ALL the time.

I wouldn't worry about salmonella too much. You probably have a better chance of catching that through fast food restaurants. Anyhow, just wash your hands with soap and water when your through with your RES. Even if you just touch the water. Your children likewise, if they come in contact with any part of the tank have them wash. I have two small children and they take out the RES and play with him in the sun in a shoe box for a couple of minutes. Then they wash their hands. See nothing to worry about!

Greetings,

It's nice to see a message from someone actually setting up a tank before hand, instead of, like most of us that ended up with a turtle, scrambling to keep it alive.

My advise would be to pretend your at McDonald's - super size everything.

If you have a 30 gallon tank, get the 50 gallon filter and a 50 gallon heater.

The heater, which to me seems the most important part, should have a thermostat, so you can adjust the temperature. I have a 20 gallon tank, filled with 6 gallons of water (about 4-5" deep). I set the heater to 76. With the light and the water it stays about 80.

Good luck!

-Ravon