Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi guys,

I'm used to keeping snakes and russian tortoises, and we recently rescued a baby Red-Eared Slider. He's about the size of a quarter. My wife is a school teacher and she wants to make him the class "visual" pet.. kids will NOT be able to handle him. Anyways.. I have some questions about his home...

We have a 15gallon rectangle aquarium. I have 3 of the sides covered with a backing so only the front glass is visible. The bottom of the tank is covered with tiny smooth pebbles.. the water is filled about half way.. and we have a "Zoo-Med Unique Floating Dock" for him to bask on (it's very cool). But we're missing a few things

I understand the temp of the water must be 78-82F, and he needs a UVB light and a heat lamp. What else do I need and can anyone recommend brands and stuff? I live in South Texas and these are native.. we usually kept them outside and they would grow HUGE.. never had one of these inside... help?

I keep my turtles outside so cant help you like others here can I myself have found that small easy ingested gravel isnt good .
I dont like gravel at all find it a pain (easier to clean without it)and dont think turtles could care less but if you do like it bigger pieces are better.