Lighting for my Red-eared Slider

[Liz_H]

Hello all,

Long time lurker, first time poster. I've got a couple aquariums set up and running beautifully, thanks to all the great advice I've read on here. Last night I bought an 8yr old RES. He came with his tank and filter, and a couple decorations. No heater, and no heat lamps. The lights in the overhead lighting compartment say "coralife 6700k" ...is that enough light for him? Should I be getting him a heater and heat lamp? From everything I've read online, my thinking is yes, but I wanted to get advice from here..

Thanks for any help,
Liz

 

[Liz_H]

I got him a basking light and heater, and he's a happy dude now!

 

[Nomadu571]

You also need a UVB bulb, which is essential or shelled creatures as it helps them metabolise calcium for their shell and keep it heathy and hard. Along with a heater and basking area, all he needs is food, care and space.

 

[MABJ]

He's beautiful. Welcome to the forum

 

[Liz_H]

You also need a UVB bulb, which is essential or shelled creatures as it helps them metabolise calcium for their shell and keep it heathy and hard. Along with a heater and basking area, all he needs is food, care and space.

Thank you. Once again, I received bad advice from a Petsmart employee, so I'll remedy that asap.

 

[Liz_H]

He's beautiful. Welcome to the forum

Thanks!!

 

[jkdubs2]

I like you turt. He looks happy in the pics lol. Glad to see your getting the right things for him. I recently picked up a 22yr old false map from someone who didn't take care of him or give him UVB light and I had to donate him to the local vet because he was so sick I couldn't help him. But sounds like your doing it right. Good luck!

 

[Liz_H]

Thanks! My 10yr old was being a dork and telling Squirtle jokes, and that's when the smiling pic of him was taken lol. I think he's loving the company and new surroundings. I had emailed the previous owners and asked why he didn't have a heater, and she replied that he made more of a mess in the tank, and they had to clean it more often. Sad! I didn't bother asking why they didn't have the proper lighting for him. I can just imagine what the answer would've been. I remember reading your thread about the map turtle, hopefully the vet will be able to help him!

 

[jkdubs2]

Ya hopefully it will get better. Imma call the vet soon and see how it's doing. Haha Pokemon jokes. I haven't seen that show since I was a kid! But ya the turtle looks good and I'm sure (he/she) Is enjoying the better treatment and company. I hope you guys enjoy it for a long time.

 

[Liz_H]

Squirtle is doing great! He's losing his old shell, which freaks me out though!! I forgot it was a Pokemon name til my kid pointed it out lol. I probably would have thought of a different name had I remembered that lol. Hope the vet has good news!

 

[jkdubs2]

What does his shell look like? Pics?

 

[Liz_H]

Here's one I just snapped of him..

 

[Liz_H]

Here's one of the pieces he lost today..

 

[jkdubs2]

There is still hard shell in the area where he lost those right? He could just be growing. Like how bugs molt. But I'm still fairly new to turtles as well so hopefully nomad will chime in.

 

[Liz_H]

Yeah, I've tapped his shell and it's still hard. It still freaks me out though lol. I've heard that they lose the scutes as they grow, so hopefully that's all it is..

 

[jkdubs2]

Ya that sounds like what it is.

 

[Nomadu571]

Yeah, I've tapped his shell and it's still hard. It still freaks me out though lol. I've heard that they lose the scutes as they grow, so hopefully that's all it is..

Hey, it is normal to occasionally shed layers of the scutes but if it is happening a lot then it could be a problem, probably caused by either an infection, Lack of UVB light may also cause scute shedding although it normally is the reason for causing soft shells. I'm guessing the last owner diddnt have a UVB bulb. They are vitally important because of the UVA and UVB radiation, the UVA maintains their appetite while the UVB helps them metabolise calcium.
You should take it to t reptile vet anyway or at least call a reptile vet for advice. If you can't find a specialist vet then go to www.redearslider.com there's a forum with many turtle keepers, breeder, and vets.

What are you feeding him and how much? You should be feeding a good food like Reptomin in a small pile which is roughly as big as his head every other day as well as veggies and live food like Meil worms or earth worms etc.

If he is shedding a lot then definitely consult a specialist as turtles do not molt like a shrimp or crab etc. It would most likely be an infection, which could be fatal. This could be because improper diet too, as the last owner may have not fed him the right foods.

 

[Liz_H]

I've only had him for a week. The previous owners were feeding him pellets and occasionally feeders. They said he didn't really like veggies. Since I've had him, he's eaten the ReptoMin, broccoli, carrots, tomato and apples. He's loved it all, so idk what they were talking about. I'll be sure to check out that site, and if anything raises concerns I'll find a vet. Thank you!!

 

[Nomadu571]

I've only had him for a week. The previous owners were feeding him pellets and occasionally feeders. They said he didn't really like veggies. Since I've had him, he's eaten the ReptoMin, broccoli, carrots, tomato and apples. He's loved it all, so idk what they were talking about. I'll be sure to check out that site, and if anything raises concerns I'll find a vet. Thank you!!

No problem that's what we're here for. It sounds like its his normal shedding, it may be that now he is eating properly and getting a good source of d3 his shell is shedding to recover and getting stronger. Keep and eye and just make notes to yourself how often it happens if it stops after a couple of weeks it's just normal if he loses it at a rapid rate then consult higher authorities lol. Good luck, and hope all is well.

 

[Liz_H]

Lol thanks! I forgot to mention, I also got a calcium powder, and I dip anything I hand feed him in it.