Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My girlfriend was given a RES a around ayear ago. She (the turtle) is about five inches long has been in a ten gallon tank with a floating foam rock that she can hardly ever manage to get up on, no filter, no heat, bad diet, and no real light whatsoever besides the little sunlight that makes it through the cracks in the blinds and of course it's been filtered through the glass window. If I don't take care of this I don't think it would have been corrected ever.

Anyway, here's what I've done so far:

-Got a 116 quart Sterelite container so she has enough room.
-Got concrete blocks and stacked them to about an eigth of an inch above water level so it's easy for her to get out of the water. The blocks are temporary until I have enough money to order one of those turtle ramps.
-Got a filter rated for a 30 gallon tank (the Sterelite is 29 gallons filled to the brim so it is considerabley less than the rating on the filter).

But now I need to get a heater for the water because on the warmest winter days here her water only reaches 68 degrees and she still has no light.

Can anyone suggest a good water heater and some light bulbs to buy for her? What I think I need is red heat bulb in conjunction with a full spectrum bulb aimed right at the basking site.

Also can anyone tell me a good temp for the basking site? I'm figuring on heating the water to 80F if that's a good idea but need some input on the basking temp.

I've been told it is best to give as much detail on a message board when asking for help so that's why this is so long. Thanks so much in advance to anyone who can shoot me some ideas.

Hi! Good of you to save that turtle? The water temp should be about 75 and the basking temp high 8o's. You do not need a red heat bulb as the water heater will keep the water warm and the turtle will not be basking at night. If your full spectrum bulb (gotta have UVB) does not produce heat (some do) then you can use a regular household light bulb to heat the basking spot. I have a 60 watt bulb about 6 inches from the turtle dock. You need a fully submersible water heater, Tronic is a popular brand. Also, if you haven't unpacked that filter yet you might consider upgrading. Filters are rated for fish and turtles are much dirtier animals. I don't think you can get one too big.

Austin's Turtle Page is and excellent online resource and has complete care sheets for your turtle. Also, I use Big Al's Online to order supplies. They have all the things you will need, cheaper than the pet store, and I have had good luck with them.

You are doing good work!