I have 2 RES hatchlings that were given to me as a gift in February and have been doing wonderfully. My only complaint is that they are the dirtiest eaters I think known to man, and before a week has passed since cleaning my cage it starts to smell like a sewer again. I think in a large part it is probably because at the time I got them (the giver didnt realize what an investment the equipment would be) I could only afford a cheap submersible Fluval 1 , with all the equiptment costing nearly $200 dollars anyways on a students budget. At this point investing in a better filter is not out of the question, but i was wondering about the possibility of a cage setup that isolates food particles. Any input into cage setup or recommendations for a new filter are greatly appreciated. Nick.
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Hatchling Tank Setup Advice
Replies (12)
Try feeding your turtles outside of the tank. Put them in a rubbermaid container with some water and let them eat there, and if you leave them there for a little while after they've eaten, they usually poop there too. Double bonus!
N/P
Currently I only have a 10 gallon tank, and after some research decided maybe i feed them too much. I am currently feeding them probably about 50% floating pellets (low protein variety) 25% crickets/cooked chicken (I tried putting small guppies in there but I don't think the turtles are able to catch them very well), and about 25% lettice/ broccoli.
I have heard of the rubbermaid idea, but my turtles are often shy (even though one of them isnt always so and will often try to eat me through the cage) and I dont believe they would eat if i were to upset them by taking them out and putting them in another container. Would regular gentle handling make them more outgoing and comfortable with changes?
How many turtles do you have packed in that shoebox? and how deep is the water?
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ok, sorry, I was thinking out loud. Im curious what you spent $200 on for a 10 gallon tank. The tank itself costs $7.95 at w@lmart, unless you wasted money on one of those eclipse tanks.
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Well, the tank was only like 10 bucks, but the hood lamp w/ bulb is like another 25, flourescent uvb with hood was like 45 or so, filter was a POs, but still like 25-30, then probaby a few more smal things that added up. It was the lights that really broke the bank. Anyways the damn thing exploded this morning so I', going to get a 40 breeder or 50 gallon anyways...any new tank recommendations?
way too much protien!!! more veggies, less pellets/prey. also NO LETTUCE!! try collard, mustard, turnip, dandelion greens, escarole, endive, parsley, carrots, straberries, squash, alfalfa, cantaloupe, cilantro, parsnip, green peppers, sweet potatoes,etc etc. just no lettuce and no spinach.
Would this setup be safe for a hatchling? http://www.allturtles.com/setup/indoorWT.php
I really like the way it was put together and I plan to do the same thing for my hatchling but in a 20 gallon tank. Do they need shallow water or is the deep water ok for them? Thanks.
They love deep water, the deeper the better. The only problem with that setup is the solid basking area, it is better to have a floating area so they can swim under the basking area.
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Heres a solid basking area that they can swim under.
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looks good, the only thing is that 76 degrees for the water is too cold. try 80 and 85 for the basking spot. make sure that the uvb tube is over the basking area as well and within 10 inches. if you put if farther than 10" from your turtles it is useless. you can throw in some live water plants for aesthetic value and also for them to eat. try getting them outside daily for a little natural sunlight as well. it helps with thier appetite and behavior--very healthy for them.
meagan
feed them in a seperate containers. this is better so that you can monitor how much each turtle is eating, and keeps them from over eating. also, you can take out a gallon or so of water from the tank and replace it with (warm)fresh every day to help keep the water clean inbetween changes. if your tank is larger, take out a few gallons and replace with clean warm water. doing those 2 things will help tremendously with keeping things clean.
meagan
