New RES mom

[Reygan2]

I recently acquired an RES turtle from a teacher that could no longer care for her. Here's some info on what I'm dealing with. She came in a 20 gallon tank, with only a floating basking dock and a small hob filter. There was small gravel in the tank, which I immediately removed. She is still pooping these rocks a week later. The only lighting was the flourescent tube that came with the hood. So far I have added a screen top, UVB/heat light for day basking and a red heat light for night in the Zoo Med dual light fixture. I added a heater and the water in the tank is 78. I added large river pebbles and a couple of large rocks for deco. I've offered romaine lettuce, which she ignored, and a cuttlebone that she snacks on occasionally. For filtration I have an AC 70. Please keep in mind I know nothing about keeping turtles, but I'm researching. I added a used filter pad from one of my canister filters to the AC to cycle the tank, but I'm not sure about cycling a turtle tank. I've tested ammonia and after an adjustment period the results are zero. I found out that basically this turtle has never received proper care. She has never been exposed to UVB to my knowledge, she has only been fed floating turtle sticks. She is 6" from the front of her shell to her tail. The previous owner thinks she is somewhere around 3 or 4 years old. I realize now that the tank she came in is extremely inadequate for her size, but it's going to be a while before I can get her in something larger. I've called different organizations in my area because I had considered sending her to a rescue center, however there isn't a single one that will take her, so I'm going to do everything I can for her. Unbelievably, when I received her there was also a male in the tank. I found out that they had been housed in this tank together for months. She has injuries on the back of her head and neck from his attacks. I've been applying antibiotic ointment and the wounds seem to be healing. Luckily I was able to find a home for him. I'm keeping the water as clean as possible with frequent water changes. She finally started basking the other day. Any tips or suggestions other than a larger tank? I know this is a really long post, but I wanted to add as much detail as possible.

 

[Animal1402]

Hi, I kept a red eared terrapin for 15 years from approx the same age. While growing they enjoy meaty foods ie mealworms, worms, fish, mine used to eat ham and beef too. As they age they start enjoying their greens more, dandelion, blanched lettuce, courgette, etc. A sun lamp is ideal over the basking spot both for heat and vitamin D production. Without artificial (or real) sunlight they can become extremely ill (the eyelids swell shut and weep continuously) this means they will not eat and basically starve to death. The water should be heated but much cooler than the basking spot so they can regulate body temperature. Easy access out of the water, possibly some floating plants to hide in and, I know it sounds cruel, live foods are fun for them. Feeder fish, crickets, water invertebrates. They love 'em. Hope that's a help for you

 

[thebritishbloke]

Unfortunately a common story, many people get RES's and don't realise how large they can grow, so rescue centres are full of them

That turtle needs a larger tank as soon as you possibly can. 20 gallons is no where near enough for a 6" RES. Are you sure it's a female? If so, you need to prepare for the absolute worst, she could grow to be a foot long! In which case you'd need ~120 gallon tank as a minimum.

As for filtration, you'll need a filter that's rated for twice the size of the aquarium. I currently have two map turtles in a 155L aquarium, they have two Fluval 406's (rated for 400L each). They'd be fine with one, but as I'm not at home as often as I'd like they needed more. For a 120 gallon you'd want something rated for at least 250 gallons, I'd recommend getting a Fluval FX6 (rated for 400 gallons).

Food is fairly easy, I'd hazard a guess that the previous owner was feeding them solely protein food (fish, shrimp etc). I'd feed her every other day, if you can post a couple of photos we could probably see if she needs anything specific. In general, I'd give a mix of a couple of different variations of pellet (I use reptomin and zoomed). If she needs a shed, add some koi wheatgerm in to the mix for vitamin E. They can eat as many greens as they like, avoid fruit if you can, it's not great for them.

As for a basking point, a turtle dock or a piece of driftwood would work so long as it can support her weight. You'll want a heat lamp and a 10% UVB bulb (strip preferably). You'll want her basking area to be about 33C, and the water temperature around 24C. Ensure there's no cover over the aquarium to prevent humidity build up.

If you're struggling to find a tank, try craigslist or somewhere similar. You can usually find larger tanks going for pennies.

Have a look at care sheet's if you're wondering any more, this one at ATP is good.

 

[msroeder2]

Just wanted to add, check around Google, under RES Tanks, look under "images". It will show several kinds of Tanks for them. They also show how to use other containers. You can use almost anything, some are in plastic toddler pools. I suggest for you right now, use a 90 qt. tote, like A Sterilite Storage container or larger. You can get at Wal-mart for about $25 - $50 depending on size. They also carry food and accessories for turtles. Might be a less expensive way to go.

 

[Coursair]

I was going to suggest a plastic bin as a temp tank also.

Plus real sunlight when it's warm enough. Just don't put her on grass and leave her, they are escape artists. A pen with part shade for an outdoor sunning is good. Just stay with her.

You can train her to eat in a separate container to help keep main tank cleaner. Easier for her to grab food.

If you use screen over tank makes sure it's large squares so this light isn't filtered.

RES are very resilient and have great character given proper housing.

UV lights should be changed at least once a year AFAIK.

Please don't feed ham or beef to a turtle. Worms, fish, good turtle diets, veggies etc. Live Anacharis plants floated in the tank are very popular with turtles. Not too expensive either.

You can grow them in a separate tank if you want

 

[Reygan2]

Honestly I never dreamed I'd enjoy keeping a turtle as much as I do! I am learning so much about caring for them, and she is an absolute joy to have. So much personality! I think she's a she anyway. She doesn't have the red marks on her head like the other one that was in the tank with her. Does that indicate gender? She has started eating green leafy lettuce, she snacks on the cuttlebone, and she devours the shrimp treats. Her primary diet atm are turtle sticks, but I plan on expanding that with cuttings from my planted tanks and an occasional worm or other fun treat. Once her tank was cycled I added a couple of feeder goldfish just out of curiosity because I'd love to keep a few fish with her when she gets her large tank, but that didn't work out well for the goldfish . I won't try that again. Yes, she is still in her 20 gallon. I am having a difficult time planning and determining the ideal place and tank for her. She is in my classroom right now, and I am searching for a larger tank that I can afford. Meanwhile her needs are being met and she is finally getting to bask under a UVB/UVA fixture. I am considering an outdoor enclosure for her this summer which would include a large inground tub. Thanks for all the responses! This is where she is now. So I shouldn't use the screen top? I've also been concerned about pyramiding, I only feed her every other day. Can anyone tell from these pics

 

[Reygan2]

Uhmm, could this actually be a Cumberland slider?

 

[Coursair]

I think it may be a Yellow Bellied Slider ? More common than Cumberlands and very similar care to an RES.

 

[Reygan2]

Here's a better pic of her belly. Don't know if that will help with ID.

 

[jonathan85365]

Pretty sure female not expert tho

 

[Reygan2]

According to her front claws it's a girl.

 

[jonathan85365]

I have a similar looking turtle it's a souther painted turtle right?

 

[jonathan85365]

Oh u have the heat tho what gallon tank is that u should invest in a little more and get this basking platform turtle loves it and put heat there furring day and uvb it's 10 times better than the tank floating auction cups devices turtles get totally dry and will suit larger turtles pen plax turtle topper I'll send u pic

 

[jonathan85365]

This is 50 or 55 and he is about 6 inches from shell to tail and also it fits on a 10 gallon just overlaps but comes with outside suction cups that I needed a knife to pry loose

 

[Reygan2]

Yeah that's exactly what she needs for now. It would allow her much more swimming room. She's still in the 20g unfortunately, but she will be getting larger living quarters soon.

 

[jonathan85365]

Another plus to this the swimming room noted the underwater part will be to large till u have a wider tank I was sad with that but now I have 12 inch wide look it up on amazon

 

[jonathan85365]

What kind of living quarters

 

[Reygan2]

20 gallon with a floating dock. I have a dual lamp over the dock with UVB and red heating bulb. She basks regularly and is finally getting a balanced diet, but that tank is way too small. I think there are pics earlier in this thread, if not I have some in my profile. I'm running an AquaClear 70 and do weekly 80% water changes.

 

[jonathan85365]

Yea get the turtle topper you will both love it

 

[jonathan85365]

What's the new habitat