Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I havn't had my turtle very long and one got sick and died last week it wasn't showing any signs of illness and the tank has been cleaned regularly they were eating and everything was ok I thought. I'm trying too figure out what is the best way too set up the turtle's home I have a 10 gallon tank right now and with the filter and other stuff its abit crowded is it really necarsry too have a heater in the tank for the water my turtle that is remaining is about the size of a half dollar and I have the water around 3 inches deep.

Sorry to hear about your loss. The Aquarium you have set up now sounds great. Add a little water weekly for the turtle so it learns to swim. These turtles are made for swimming. They will have much more fun in deep water.
I hope you have lots of fun with your turtles!

is it possible that the turtle I still have misses the other one I just replaced it in the tank and the turtle seems too be searching for its playmate? Should I replace the one that passed away?

Hi,

From what I've read and understand, turtles do not need or seek companions unless they are mating--they aren't willingly social animals. So I don't think your turtle misses its "playmate" like a cat or dog may feel. Just like a goldfish does not miss another goldfish.

Johnny

Oh and as for whether you should replace the turtle, it's your call. More turtles means more work and if it was up to me, I'd try to gain more experience raising one successfully first then slowly accumulate more if the interest remains.

Johnny

So long as your house isn't kept too cool, and the tank isn't next to an drafty window, I think it's more important to have a properly heated basking spot than an aquarium heater.

As far as getting another turtle, sliders get rather large, and unless you're willing to provide a predator-proof pond in the next few years, you probably should stick with one turtle for now. Females especially need ponds, and you can't determine gender until they reach about three to four inches in length. Also, there are so very many sliders needing new homes, that if you decide later that you want another one, you can consider adoption rather than purchase.

Katrina

we are already just for the baby turtles looking into getting a better set up for the one we have remaining. Everytime I look at the small tank I get so upset because I don't feel the turtle has enough room we just haven't made up our minds on what size too get. Setting up pond in the backyard is a really good idea. Do you know where I might find information on how too do this in the safest way for the turtle? My kids love thier pets and for thier ages they do spend alot of time helping me take care of them. My boys are only 3 and 4 and they help me clean and feed. They also have 2 cats, and a guinie pig. Right now we are considering getting a 29 gal tank for the turtle but during the summer time a pond would be lovely. So if you can help me with some advice I would very much appriciate it.