Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was given 2 RES and I have found a few things out about them, but would like to know more. They are still about the size of 2 quarters. I don't know how old or if they are m/f. I want to find out how to keep them in something other than an aquarium. I'm trying to go the cheaper route. I was told you could get a large plastic bin from Wal-Mart. How much water should I keep them in? I read some where that they should be able to poke their head out of the water while still standing on the bottom, but I see pictures with others swimming in deep water. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

RES are aquatic turtles, the more water the better. They love deep water, they just need a place where they can climb out and dry off from time to time.
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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
1 common musk turtle hatchling

Thanks for the info. It's very helpful

I had a similar problem, but I have what I think is a reasonable set up with some suggestions I got from around the board here and care sheets from a few other sites. For reference, the tub I have is (I think) a 90 quart Rubermaid deal ($6 USD). The rocks are real rock, stuff cleaned up real good from around my properity. The basking lamp was employed by a bunch of chickens my mom has, and she got it from a farm supply store cheap. The UVA/UVB light is an $18 USD fixture from Lowes. The wreath and grass are fakes form a arts and crafts store, but they soked in water about 24 hrs before I added them to the tank. Also, there is about 7.5 gallons of water in it right now. Click here to see it all.

I know about the dangers of rocks, and I am looking into other solutions, but for now, they are the best I can do. I am open to suggestions and examples, too, if anyone would like.

Ok, the board didn't like HTML, here is the link:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/walker_of_wind/album?.dir=/32c2&.src=ph&.tok=phchaUDBXnMDMf1P
My setup

I think your set-up is fine for now. Once the guys are bigger, you might want to switch out the rocks for a PVC pipe frame with floating cork bark zip-tied to the frame.

Katrina

I had been contemplating something similar, but using a plastic craft mesh. I saw another user on the boards here had something using that material.

-Ferg
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-Ferg

"The only day wasted is the day in which nothing is learned."
-My neighbor and friend.

I put my turtles back in the small container and bought live fish and crickets and they are happy and eating again. I now just need to buy a lamp for them. Thanks for all the info.

Thanks a lot for the info and pics

newBIE* helping newBIE*. Look forward to hearing about your young ones in the future.

*newBIE = new But In-search (of) Enlightenment (about pet care)
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-Ferg

"The only day wasted is the day in which nothing is learned."
-My neighbor and friend.

N/P

I ment the fixture, the lights you get at hardware stores, I believe, are too strong for reptiles. They are intended for plants. The lights I got in the reptile section of a good, local pet store. A little more than your average house light, but not too expensive.

Ferg

Is the bulb a mercury vapor bulb (over $30) or a long tube
bulb like the Reptisun 5.0. It is hard to tell from the photos
posted of your set-up.

Thanks
Linda

Its like the Reptisun, but a different brand name. They are also under a bay window, so they get some natural daylight as well.

You're welcome.
Ferg