Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Thanks to all who replied to my previous post!

I managed to find a 40 gal reptile aquarium with stand, cover, tank warmer, and heat light. That should get us by a little longer than the Rubbermaid tote! I'll still need a UVB light and a bigger filter.

My next questions are: Is there a proper way to introduce a turtle into a new habitat? Also, the turtle has only been fed the little food sticks we drop into the water. Now I want to feed him some other kinds of foods such as some dandelion greens. Do I drop these into the water as well or leave them on the basking area for him to eat?

Thanks!

When i up graded my tank, i just plopped my guys in the tank, i tried not to bother them for a few days to let them get adjusted.
i also just throw veggies and fruits into the tank. They need water to swallow so there's no point in putting it in a dish on their dry space.
Younger turtles are also more carnivousous then older turtles. This doesn't mean don't offer veggies and leaves, but they MAY only take tentative bites, and prefer their meaty pellets
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- Melanie

2.0 cats
1.0 leopard gecko
1.0 Bernese mountain dog
2.1 red ear sliders
1 south american cichlid tank
2 planted tanks with dwarf cichlids and platies

I would not use a cover that you would use on a fish
aquarium. Instead buy a mesh looking cover with the
small holes. Use can place your lights on these but
the turtle can still get plenty of fresh air. Remember
the solid hoods are meant for fish because they get
oxygen from the water. Turtles don't.

Sounds like your doing a great job though.

Linda

I agree.
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0.1 Bearded dragon
0.1 mexican kingsnake
1.0.2 Leopard Gecko's
0.0.1 Rose Hair Tarantula
1.0 BTS
0.0.1 Reverse Okeetee Corn
0.1 Bullmastiff
4.1 Cats

Sorry, I should have been more specific. It does have a screen cover. Thanks!

Sliders and other similar turtles can ONLY eat in the water. So, just float a few pieces of greens on top of the water. It may take them a few days to figure it out. You can withhold food for a day or two before offering greens.

Katrina