Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, I went out and bought a UVA light, couldnt find UVB yet. I bought a plant, water themamoter, but couldnt find basking platforms. So I made my own with PVC and Plexiglass. I also have a filter in the tank. I have pellets to feed him and rocks for him to play around. Am I missing anything? Dont know if this is a stupid question or not, but are turtles self cleaning? Do I have to clean his shell or anything? He seems to like to be held as long as I have a cloth for him, but not directly in my hand. Is this acceptable? He always comes to the glass when I am near him too. Oh yea, I have a feeding dish for him at meal times.
Thanks

You may want to get a heater so that the water stays around 78 degrees. Turtles are not self cleaners. They shed but do not groom. Some people do brush them with a soft tooth brush. Some people say that their turtles are decoration but I say if they like to be held hold them. I try to hold my turtle at least once a day so that when I messing the tank he doesn't think my hand is food. My husband thinks I am weird but I like to talk Red( my RES) when he basking. He is comfortable enough with us that he doesn't jump into the water. He is rather funny. He sticks his all the way out. And if you go to another part of the tank he turns his head to see. I hope you enjoy your new turtle. They are a lot of work but well worth it. Take care Shannon

You can just rinse him off after you clean his habitat.
Don't use any soap or anything. Instead of the uva bulb
it is OK to use a regular household bulb of the appropriate
wattage. You will need a UVB source like the Reptisun 5.0
Drs Foster and Smith has them at the cheapest prices I have
found. You can find them on the internet.

I am a little confused as to why you would have a feeding
dish for your RES. Their food should be put directly into
the water. Are you feeding them on land?

Hope this helps
Linda