I have just bought my daughter 3 RES. All 3 are about 2 inches big. We bought an aquriam for tutles ( 20 gal. tank) It came with a full spectrum light, a zoo med medium dock and a whisper power filter and zoo med hatchling food, turtle treats and water conditioner. I've read on here that as they grow they will need a bigger tank. But one of my questions are there water temps? They seem to be eating really well now that the water is warmer but how warm should it be? Right now it rocks between 78 to 80. Should I go warmer? My other question is... How much calcium should they get? I read here also that I should break off cuttle bone and feed them. I just tried it and they ate it. But how much should they get and how often?? One more question ( sorry) Even tho they have a full sprectrum light, do I still need to put a basking light over the dock area? Thanks to anyone who can help me. I just don't want anything to go wrong with the little guys.
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New Owner of Three RES- Questions
Replies (1)
The water temp is probably a bit warm, 2 inch turtles aren't hatchlings so they can have temps down in the lower 70's. My tank is about 74 degrees (water) and 85 degrees (basking area). You need a basking light over the basking area. Full spectrum bulbs are worthless, you need a UVB flourescent tube. Any old household bulb works as a heat bulb.
The most important thing to remember is not to overfeed your turtles. Turtles will beg for food constantly and eat as much as you give them. Limit them to a small amount of pellets every other day and let them have access to fresh greens daily.
The rule of thumb for tank size is ten gallons of water per inch of turtle. Since you have 6 inches of turtle they should already have a 75 gallon tank or so, with at least 60 gallons of water. If any of your turtles are females you are looking at a tank size in the hundreds of gallons, or an outdoor pond. Turtles grow about an inch or so a year if not overfed, and females get to be about 12 inches in shell length.
Sorry if this post sounds harsh, I am just trying to provide accurate information in as short a post as possible.
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A mans got to do what a mans got to do. A woman has to do what he can't.
Mom to:
1 little boy born 7/19/04
2 male RES, born 1999
1 ribbon snake, age unknown
3 FBT, ages unknown
1 female bearded dragon, born 5/2002
1 male lab mix, born 5/24/03
1 female calico cat, born 6/7/04
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edited signature file; oversized graphic [phw 12/13/04]
