My 2 RES

[lyrklaunavan]

Hi, I have two RES turtles. They are babies. At first salesman gave them to me in a plastic container. I did not like it but I bought at that time and it seemd my turles also did not like also because they were not eating anything I gave them. Then I made a sresearch in internet and I learned that I have to buy an aquarium. Now they are soo happy. But I have a few questions. I uploaded some photos. I used sand. Is it better to use gravel? Because they are eating them sometimes. Also one of them is a bit bigger than the other and not letting it to bask next to the bigger. Bigger one pushes the small one to pool sometimes. What can I do? Maybe a second basking place? I used rocks. On top of the rock they are basking. Also I do not have an UVAB light yet. But I will buy asap. I am using the aquarium light 24 hours. It is 24 hours on. is it normal? Do I have to close at night? I have no idea. If I don't close it maybe their eyes will be effected? Also I have a plastic plant in the thank. I heard they are eating natural plants. Thanks for the replies.

Also it is so funny. They are jumping into the stream of the filter from their basking place and in an instant they find themselves on the opposite end of the aquarium :)) They like this so much!

[Dave66]

You do know you'll need a MUCH larger aquarium with both land and water areas for your turtles? Red-eared sliders grow to larger than a dinner plate size. You also need proper lighting, not to mention proper nutrition, for shell maintenance & growth.
The turtles need to sleep, too, so keep the light off at night.
You really need to buy a good book or two on keeping turtles as right now you really need education on the needs of your pets. Red-Eared Slider babies have been for sale in shops forever, but very few research their needs before purchase, to the turtles' cost.

Dave

[lyrklaunavan]

yes I am thinking to buy a bigger one in the future. But first I want to be experienced in this little tank and I will wait them to grow a little bit. But if they continue fighting, I will buy immediately and decorate it accordingly. I mean two different basking places. I am trying to learn from the internet as now but I will checkout the books on Amazon. Any good book about turtles that you might suggest?

[mtg]

Hi again - I would check out redearslider.com. Better than any book. There are also some great diagnostians over there if your turt gets sick. I have sand in my tank - avoid gravel. It can be ingested and cause blockages. As long as the filter is about 4 inches from the substrate the sand will be fine. Turtles do dig so some will get kicked up but it will be fine.

Also I would suggest cork bark for a basking dock. You can purchase it at places like blackjungle.com. It can be wedged into the tank and is easy, pretty and a nice simple basking area. You will also need a UVB bulb (get ready they are $$) and a regular light bulb for heat source. Set both over the basking dock. A heater may not be necessary now - but a thermometer will be helpful. If baby turtles are too cold they may not eat or be as active. Again this is probably not an issue now but will become one in the winter. Temps should be about 75-80*.

Young turtles tend not too eat the first few days after a stressful change. This is normal - continue to offer food (floating pellet such as reptomin) and they will take it. As they age they will take to veggies more. Some will eat crickets or rosy red minnows (small one for now). Only feed those on occasion though as they can offer too much protein and cause shell deformities. I used the crickets to get my guy eating and scaled back once he was more comfortable.

Also your tank will be fine for a while - you may see some aggression as they age. If so you will need to separate them. However, some that have been together or a long time are fine. Still and upgrade will help. Eventually go for a very large tank 100+ gallons for two :18:

Good luck - I love our fella. its a great hobby! and he's a super pet!

[mtg]

BTW dont keep the light on all of the time. Set up the lights to simulate a regular day/night cycle. On for about 10-11 hours or so - off for the rest of the time. Also I would recommend plastic plants - the turts will make a mess of the real ones. You can offer red lettuce, romaine, etc if they need veggies.

Also consider a canister filter. Turtles put out a lot of waste and canister can handle the load better than power filters or internal filters. For now an internal is fine (just keep up with water changes).

Whew! what fun - I am excited for you!:19:

[Red]

Welcome.......

[lyrklaunavan]

Thanks Mtg for those nice suggestions. But something interesting you said. I read in some internet sites that baby turtles can eat sand and it can damage their urinary system also I saw my babies eat sand a few times. Gravel is too big so they can not eat for now. It contradicts with what I read. I do not know what to do. I bought 4 litres of gravel today and when I read your suggestion I will not change sand. My turtles are 3 inch almost.