Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was given a turtle by someone who told me that if I didn't take it they were going to let it go.. Well, he told me that he had "everything" it needed. He gave me a res turtle, 5in long and in a 10 gal (very dirty) tank. I took it thinking that it had everything it needed and don't have the money to go out and buy all new equipment. I did a lot of research online and figured out just how much a res needs! I did buy a clean 10gal tank, filter and a new basking uva bulb but that's all I can do for now...He's had the turtle for 2 years like this! What are the affects on this little guy and how will he do with me in the 10 gal tank until I can save up for the correct habitat?

Until you can get a bigger tank, why don't you get a plastic storage bin. They sell them in Walmart, K-Mart, Home depot, Lowes, almost any place. They are big, and cheap. Just set it up like you would a tank. Basking dock, UVB, heat lamp, filter. You can get them on sale for maybe $10. A ten gal. tank is really too small for anything but a hatchling...1 in.

I agree plastic storage bins the 'clear" types are underrated tank "tanks" . During warm seasons they are great for outdoors to.
They keep their shape if only half filled with water and you can allways tie a few ropes around it to hold its shape.