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By far the best commercial ramp you can buy if you dont want to splurged out for an above tank basking platform. My turtle is 8" and he loves it. Since it has hangers it doesnt submerge even when hes on it. Your tank has to be at least a 40 gallon breeder since its very wide (17" or so), else it may not fit.
LaBrinx Designs Narrow Hanging Turtle Ramp - Aquatic Reptile Basking Platform https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0746RY2SN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_JM13Z5RVRP8JYYKE065F?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I use this one, there’s other options similar to it as well, it does a great job
Here is a link to a pretty good starter kit. It’s 20 gallons so your RES will outgrow it in about a year.
Tetra Aquatic Turtle Deluxe Kit 20 Gallons, aquarium With Filter And Heating Lamps, 30 IN (NV33230) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075MKTGJM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_sQXoFbRAXKNG6
I bought two baby red eared sliders.
Admittedly, I was one of the morons who knew nothing going in. In my defense, the guy selling them (on the side of the road) said that they'd only get as big as their enclosure. But I acknowledge that I was an idiot for taking him at his word.
Anyway... have 'em in a 10 gallon for now. I'd been scouring offerup.com daily for tanks.
This past weds I picked up a 120 gallon with stand and light for $125. Needs cleaning (a _lot_ of cleaning). But there are definitely deals to be had.
Good luck!
Pet stores sometimes have $1 per lb sales, I would keep an eye out there. Maybe Facebook marketplace if you are looking for something affordable(some people will sell multiple items together at a good price) I would love to help more but I only have hatchlings items currently 🥲. Here is a link to a good filter for turtles that I’ve been using for the last 2 months with 4 turtles! Cascade Canister
When I picked up my RES, Walter, his previous caretaker gave us a Penn-Plax Floating Turtle Pier, that I feel is unmatched. It's large, and easily supports Walter's weight and size (roughly 5 & 3/4 inch long shell - I believe he's about 5 or 6 years old now)
I actually recently replaced it with the exact same thing, because it was time to go higher and the one I was given was incomplete, missing the center column pieces to go the full 16 inches high it will support out of the box (so it only went about a foot vertical). I'm toying with the idea of going higher, or letting it free-float, because the only draw-back is the amount of space it takes up under neath the water's surface. He can still swim between it, but I think it would make it cleaner looking if it float.
Another idea is to look for a large piece of cork, which could be anchored, like a pond-basking platform, or let float freely. But it's not easy to find quality cork around me, and I don't want to trust purchasing one online sight-unseen.
Good luck!
I made something similar to this out of PVC. https://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Tower-Platform-aquarium-accessory/dp/B076V7YDV9 My platform sits lower to I didn't need a cage. No complaints from Shellinor.
I recently bought from Amazon this above tank basking unit. My turtle was getting heavy/outgrowing the same large floating dock. You can always DIY something similar. If you still want a basking unit inside the tank, I've seen people use big pile of rocks or drift wood. Or if it's just that the suckers won't stay, use some glue 🙂
My boy is big as well—I had to use rubberized wire plant ties to keep the replacement ramp from going down whenever my RES climbed it. There are holes on both the turtle topper and the replacement ramp that allows for this—here are photos so you can see what I did: Photos.
Yes, a filter will probably be the most expensive out of everything in the tank—but look on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for cheaper used ones; you just have to disinfect it, leave it outside for 24 hours, and get new biomedia for it.
I used the Penn Plax Turtle Ramp as the extension ramp for the Penn Plax Turtle Topper. I just removed the ramp the turtle topper came with and used zip ties to attach the extension ramp to it.
Ahh ok, anacharis is pretty easy to grow and is a nutritious plant for turtles. You can grow it in a 10 gallon tank and have an unlimited supply to put in the tank for your turtle. u/GenericProfileName1 has more information on that :)
https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Reptisun-T5-Ho-Fluorescent/dp/B00AQU8GF0/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?crid=VUI71JP1HJ4J&keywords=reptisun+5.0+uvb&qid=1671033994&sprefix=reptisun%2Caps%2C217&sr=8-8 that one would be best but you could try this one if you prefer the dome lamps https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiSun-Compact-Fluorescent/dp/B00061V4PI/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?crid=VUI71JP1HJ4J&keywords=reptisun+5.0+uvb&qid=1671033994&sprefix=reptisun%2Caps%2C217&sr=8-5
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Diet RES hatchlings (less than a year old) and juveniles (1 year old) eat 50% protein and 50% veggies. Adult RES (2 years or older) eat 70% veggies and 30% protein. For veggies, green leaf lettuce and red leaf lettuce are great options you can get at your local grocery store, and you can feed them one leaf (for each turtle) a day that is the size of their shell. Take out whatever they don’t eat at the end of the day so it doesn’t rot. For protein it’s good to use turtle pellets (Mazuri is the most recommended), and give them enough that could fit in their head (excluding the neck); hatchlings should get pellets once a day, juveniles can get pellets about 3 or 4 times a week, and adults can get pellets 2 or 3 times a week. For treats, they can have fruit or dried/live animals like rivershrimp and/or mealworms—but you only want to give those once a week or once every two weeks. Veggies and protein/pellets should be their main food source. Make sure to put their food in the water as they need it to eat since they don’t produce saliva.
I think that covers all the essentials! Please let me know if you have any more questions :)
First off I would say he would do better in a 20 gallon tank that’s filled up a little over halfway. A 20 gallon tank is much bigger and cheaper than whatever you bought off Amazon. A 50 Watt heater should suffice for a 20 gallon tank. You’ll need some sort of basking station where the turtle can completely get out of the water and become dry. Those shitty zoomed basking ramps would work for your little guy but become useless as they grow as your slider will grow very very fast. You’ll also need a filter so you can get away with a sponge filter right now as the turtle is small but you’ll have to move up to a canister filter once you upgrade tanks as your turtles gets bigger. Lastly your gonna need a better bulb as whatever that is does not seem legit at all. https://www.chewy.com/zoo-med-aquatic-turtle-uvb-heat/dp/154844 you can probably use something like this. Turtles are super expensive, I own a red ear sider and an eastern painted turtle and they are a lot of work and money but they are rewarding pets in my opinion.
RES hatchlings (less than a year old) and juveniles (1 year old) eat 50% protein and 50% veggies. Adult RES (2 years or older) eat 70% veggies and 30% protein. For veggies, green leaf lettuce and red leaf lettuce are great options you can get at your local grocery store, and you can feed them one leaf a day that is the size of their shell. Take out whatever they don’t eat at the end of the day so it doesn’t rot. For protein it’s good to use turtle pellets (Mazuri is the most recommended), and give them enough that could fit in their head (excluding the neck); hatchlings should get pellets once a day, juveniles can get pellets about 3 or 4 times a week, and adults can get pellets 2 or 3 times a week. For treats, they can have fruit or dried/live animals like rivershrimp and/or mealworms—but you only want to give those once a week or once every two weeks. Veggies and protein/pellets should be their main food source. Make sure to put their food in the water as they need it to eat since they don’t produce saliva.
A egg laying spot it just a mix of top soil. I used this premade substrate because it holds water well (which is the reason for using top soil). You put this inside a tote or container, it doesn’t have to be huge just a regular storage tote will work. Put the tub inside a secluded area where you and anything else such as other animals will bother them all. I read it’s good to leave them there unbothered for about an hour. One more thing is if you can it will be beneficial to have some sort of light shining into the tub. I used a spare UVB light I had but I don’t think it matters.
You can also just look up on google/youtube “red eared slider nesting box” and get a general idea
This is the dog toy: Hol-ee ball
You can stuff that full of greens and pop it in the tank, they'll push it around and work to get the food out.
You can float ping pong balls in the tank and lots of turtles like to push them around the water.
Good enrichment play time!
It looks like the same one of amazon but i may be wrong. heres the link
I have an over the tank basking area, and it can be bought on Amazon. My turtle loves it.over tank basking area
I don't have a heater recommendation. All the ones I have used have work just fine. I do recommend though getting a tank thermometer. Even just something simple like this https://www.amazon.com/Jansamn-Thermometer-Adhesive-Aquarium-Kombucha/dp/B07JVRJ9Y1/ref=asc_df_B07JVRJ9Y1/
Heaters heat well but but I only moderately trust that what you set them to is accurate.
My turtle also can only have large rocks in her tank as she tries to eat/eats/destroys anything else in there but I have had success with Tetrafauna heaters. I have 2 (one on either end) of her 100 gal stock tank. They last about 3-4 years and aren't too expensive to replace. They do need to be opened and rinsed out regularly which does make them last longer. She moves it around the tank but I duct taped each to side so she doesn't move them far and has never gotten caught in the cords. https://www.chewy.com/tetrafauna-aquatic-reptile-aquarium/dp/191030?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12789771309&utm_content=Tetrafauna&utm_term=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwio6XBhCMARIsAC0u9aFUQ4pSf2fviIy1YciZnuflMlRO_7...
i have a UVB+UVA that’s 50 watts so i’m not sure if that’s not enough?? I feed him daily but i switched his food to nutri sticks
This is the original lighting setup I have it’s the Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle UVB & Heat Lighting Kit. I have it sitting on top of an egg crate, so I would say it’s about 7 inches above his basking area…I know he’s due for a new bulb but I want to make sure I have the right bulbs.
https://www.chewy.com/zoo-med-reptisun-100-uvb-t5-ho/dp/257674 This bulb will work for the uvb bulb right? I also just swapped the heat bulb to the ceramic lamp, Thanks for the tip!
I had my RES in a plastic 150 gallon stock tank for a few years
Tracker Supply has it for $170
Amazon for $222 with shipping.
But, the downside is filtering is expense, I paired it with a Fluval FX6 for filtration which cost me $300 at the time.
I would recommend a canister filter. These kinds of filters don't sit in the aquarium itself, so you can get one large enough actually to filter as much as you need. A good rule of thumb is to have a filter that can process three times as much water as the aquarium you hold. RES's are messy, so they need a lot of filtration.
Here's one I would highly recommend.
It is provided you also get a UVB light. he may have that permanently or not i dont know. But he wont die from lack of UVB and it's benefits if you get to him now. Get a lamp that does both or get a double domed lamp especially for fitting one heat bulb and one uvb bulb
https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Combo-Deep-Dome-L%C3%A1mpara-Luminaria/dp/B005KPMCPG
for example. i just searched on google for double domed turtle lamp
I have the Penn Plax Turtle Topper and it works great in my 55 gallon tank. Easy to set-up and use, however the plastic on the edges can break fairly easily, but it is not a deal breaker. My favorite part is that it actually comes with a little hanging platform that my two turtles love to sleep/nap on. It's high enough where they can easily hang out there with their heads able to reach the water surface.
https://www.amazon.com/Penn-Plax-Turtle-Tank-Topper/dp/B002O09MYE?th=1
I used to use that dock and my two cents would be to upgrade it, believe me I know how hard taking care of a tank can be and it takes a lot of learning to get it exactly where you.
Here is the dock it is relatively cheap and it a very good quality one that I have found. I would also recommend having the UVB and heat lamp over the dock if you can keep the temperatures good.
I would recommend a new tank as well, a bigger one but tanks a pricy and it may be out of your means right now but maybe its something you want to think about long term.
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You will also want to look into canister filters as these bad bois allow the good bacteria to stay inside the filter and eat all the bad stuff that can irritate and make your turtle sick, regular water changes are a must as well with a good quality water conditioner such as Zoo med Reptisafe.
Good luck and if you need any more help just let us know!
This is very informative, thank you so much! I was not aware of a lot of this and I really appreciate the information, I want to make sure she’s as happy and comfortable as possible. I mentioned this in another comment, but the filter I’ve got has a “max fill line” and I didn’t want to ruin it, but I already had a feeling that the water was a little low and probably needed adjusting. I’ll definitely look into the brands you recommended and I’ll look into finding a better basking pad for her too! She gets up on it fine enough right now, but I think that’s because the water is so low right now that it’s floating about as low as it can go with the rods it’s attached to.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CYDE3WW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XPNTATFCJPCGSFVDA12W?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 These are the lights I’ve got going right now. They’re the same ones I’ve used for my box turtle for a few years and he seems to love them, but he’s not aquatic. Do you think these are adequate enough or should I invest in something different? :)
how big is your tank? i just got a Cascade 1500 for only $150 which cleans 350 GPH for my 75 gallon tank. I would keep digging and best of luck. (depending on the size of your tank i have a 110 gallon filter i won’t need after Monday, needs new filter media but that’s only $14 at PetSmart message me if interested)
(Penn-Plax Cascade 1500 Aquarium Canister Filter – Provides Physical, Biological, and Chemical Filtration – 350 Gallons per Hour (GPH) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002DJ9PW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_EDM9XF12PB2BQY2SCQ1W?psc=1) link to filter
I’m gonna buy two extended wall hooks and hang the lamps by the wire but for extra measure I’m ordering zip ties to secure it in place and for the uvb bulb if it’s safe to go with I’ll be using this one
I bought this one because it has plenty of ventilation and the top stays on really well, but they absolutely hate it. Keeps them safe though so its only when I absolutely need to transport them somewhere. I put a washcloth in so they have something to snuggle into (and to absorb their pee honestly). It has these small openings on the side that they hold onto which is kinda good so when I make a turn they can grab on and not just slide around. And its clear so they like it better than just a box with a screen on top at least. They can still look around and I put it on a carseat and use a seatbelt to really hold it down. https://www.chewy.com/exo-terra-flat-home-reptile-faunarium/dp/178110
You can find the moss balls on Amazon. I recommended making sure it's not a fake one with metal wires but real full balls. The vendor I bought it from went under, but you can find them.
I put them in this breeder. And used some zip ties to keep it shut. It just hangs out at the bottom of the tank. It works great.
Alfie Pet - Comi Hang-on Nursery... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JVIYWS8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
yeah definitely get a Fluval - I would try this filter and a bigger tank - depending on how bug the turtle is - this worked incredible for me with a smaller turtle in a 30 ga tank, only had to change the water once or twice a month and you can self clean it, no filters to buy regularly - https://www.chewy.com/fluval-aquarium-power-filter/dp/129591
I’d say a better filter because she is gonna be one dirty girl. Mine makes such a mess compared to my boy because she is huge. Make sure you are prepared to buy a 120 gallon tank at least if she ends up being 12 inches long. With those types of larger tanks, you’ll need good filtration. Always get one 2-3x more than you tank size. This is what I use:
Fluval FX6 High Performance Aquarium Filter
Good luck 🍀
Not sure if this link works for you, but this is the heater I currently have & has worked great so far. It’s also covered just in case your turtle likes to sleep next to it so it doesn’t burn itself:
HITOP 300W 500W Digital Aquarium Heater, Submersible Large Fish Tank Heater with Temperature Display and External Controller for Fish Tank up to 150Gallon
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08ZXZF6SX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_7K233SPENXN3V43YTDGN?psc=1
This is the actual light I bought for him! https://www.chewy.com/zoo-med-powersun-uv-self-ballasted/dp/257676 My buddy came over and saw how much I was feeding, and said it was double what I should be. I also noticed my water temp was a little cool but the rest of the cage was fine temp wise I believe. Basking area is about 87 degrees and air temp is around 75. Water temp is about 72 tho. Should I rn eat in a water heater? I’m worried it will be too hot for the turtle to be by it lol I know that probably sounds dumb! Don’t make fun I’m new to this! I want to learn tho (:
http://www.turtleforum.com/forum/upload/index.php?/forums/topic/58061-splashing-noise-from-filter/
Turtle forum is an excellent source for tank set up research and suggestions. Good luck.
That basking area looks way too dim, can you tell if they have any lights over it? As far as enrichment goes, a scrub brush would probably be good. They have a bottle brush on Amazon with a suction cup bottom that makes a great back scratcher. like this one in my tank
Dog Teeth Cleaning Toothbrush Chew Toys, Durable Dog Teeth Cleaning Stick, Puppy Dental Oral Care Brushing Toy.Natural Rubber Bite Resistant Dog Suction Cup Toy for Small Medium Large Dogs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HC8ZSLK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_Z86KWWQ4XQGJ3SG31YE9
Somebody told me to get this dog toothbrush on Amazon it’s silicone idk if I can post the link but I’ll put a picture here QPQEQTQ Dog Chew Toothbrush Toys Dog Teeth Cleaning Toys Dog Cactus Toys Suction Cup Dog Toys Puppy Brushing Stick Toy for Dental Oral Care (Fit 10-50lb Green) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08B5NX88F/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_XEF2677AT1DK2VCQ35TT
Measure you tank and look at the product dimensions. Not all tanks are setup the same.
I have the Penn plax turtle topper and it for my 55 tall and 75. And it fit fine. It worked on the 30 gallon when he was smaller.
Sorry for Amazon link, looks like Chewy.com is out.
Penn-Plax Reptology Turtle Topper and Extension Clips – Above Tank Basking Platform & Hardware That Safely Mounts to Standard Size Tanks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002O09MYE/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_5WNGZ20VN8TJ241H2XDH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Nice. I wish I would have found this topper a few months ago. I upgraded my tank and just used the extension clips for the Turtle Topper. Yours looks like it has a wider opening and more space to move around.
Penn-Plax Reptology Turtle Topper and Extension Clips – Above Tank Basking Platform & Hardware That Safely Mounts to Standard Size Tanks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002O09MYE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_BHYPP2265VHW8BHXT4C7
Penn-Plax Reptology Turtle Topper and Extension Clips – Above Tank Basking Platform & Hardware That Safely Mounts to Standard Size Tanks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GMBFQRZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_7VNJ5AR8ADKX6D37J3A8?psc=1
Algae is typically from too much sunlight and not enough filtration. From the picture it looks like you are using an internal filter and the tank is in front of the window.
You can buy a uv sterilizer which will help. I would also suggest upgrading you filtration. Turtles are very dirty and produce a huge bio load. For turtles 2-3x rated filtration is recommended. An external canister filter is the best for you Turtle. I’ll link an example of a uv sterilizer and a cheap but good canister filter. The canister filter also has a uv light, but it may not be enough for your tank alone.
AA GKM24W Internal UV for Aquariums up to 120Ga,Black https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B096SLPSH5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_WVS3F7F9KM98QT90N8DT
Polar Aurora 4-Stage External Canister Filter 525GPH with 9-watt Light New(525GPH) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00NDYVXOC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_8ZTJDR3883S36R3X508F
Something like this
Tetra Whisper Internal Filter For Aquariums, In-Tank Filtration With Air Pump https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002DHYG8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_TTXRMSXMWPQ3ACS2CEQX And here are the cartridges
Whisper Tetra Bio-Bag Disposable Filter Cartridge, Large (24 Pack) Bundle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DQ6PZ4N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_TFVHGVRBSHWJ5EY46G4F
This brand is pretty cheap. It's not the best filter but it works for me:
Cascade Canister Filter for Large Aquariums and Fish Tanks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002DJ9NY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_V4MTD82F173Z2FDEG3GC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I would use this to treat your turtles eyes. It worked for mine when she got sctrached in the eye.
I prefer Eheim heaters. They’re sturdy and I’ve never had one burn out on me before. I use them in all of my fish tanks and turtle tank. Most PetSmart’s sell them or you can order them online too. I’d recommend the 200w Eheim Jager Thermostat Aqaurium Heater for a 75 gallon tank.
Heres the one I have. It would do good for a 75 also.
300w 150w 50w Submersible Aquarium Heater Auto Thermostat Heater with Suction,LED Small Mini Temperature Display Aquarium Fish Tank Heater for Fish Tank Water https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PHCC9PR/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_BA85DD8TKAQYMG61GJYP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I run it along side my pickup tube for my pennplax canister filter.
Cascade Canister Filter for Large Aquariums and Fish Tanks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002DJ9NY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_4K5J30B7QSFV603DR0Y4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
So far i would say you are doing a great job, i've had 2 turtles myself for over 4 years. I have a 55 gallon and i change the water halfway around once every month. A good, relatively inexpensive filter that i recommend is the Polar Aurora filter. Your heating light / lamp is good, but try to see how hot or bright it is and adjust it so it isn't too extreme or too dim. I change my bulbs every other month, and i recommend letting your turtle walk around in an enclosed area under the sun every now and then.
I hope this helps 👍
I like this one. Copy/pasted first link, not a recommendation of Chewy.
https://www.chewy.com/aqueon-quietflow-led-pro-aquarium/dp/185108
Yeah for sure! I use a Fluval 307 in a 40 gallon tank right now. (My lass is so big I gotta transition to a larger pond/stock tank so she’s outgrown the 40 gallon and 307 but, such is life in the turtle world haha)
I don’t have pictures on hand, but there’s nothing special about mine. Check YouTube for reviews if you’re interested in it.
I can take pictures of the filter media setup and what not later today as I’m out but will likely be replacing some of the media today. Essentially multistage canister filters are meant to draw water out of the tank, into a canister that is filled with channels to guide the water through several media types. Mine has 5 stages, which are 2 foams, carbon, ceramics, (great for housing that beneficial bacteria I mentioned earlier 😉) and then another final polish foam and nitrate/ammonia pads. Her tank is pretty bare at the moment due to the rapid growth haha, so there’s not enough bacteria to help push the nitrogen cycle and get rid of access nitrates/nitrites. Also helps with keeping algae out as there’s no access nutrients for the algae to eat up.
Also, please feel free to DM me if you’d like with any questions! That goes for anybody else reading this is well. I hope that brief explanation helped. It seems from your post that you’re using a Hang on Back filter currently. Most are definitely underpowered for the waste a turtle will produce. With turtles, you’re going to want to have a filter designed for a larger tank. I shoot for twice as large, but basically as big as you can get within reason lol. There’s tons of cheaper Canister filters, and even some Turtle recommended ones if you look around pet stores or online.
If you’d like to DM me I can send you some YouTube channels/videos that I found helpful along the way!
Penn Plax Turtle Tank Topper -... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002O09MYE?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
i highly recommend this tank topper! i have a similar setup and it’s been perfect for me and my little guy. they also sell extenders for the topper if your tank is a little bigger than mine (:
Try cleaning the tubes themselves, I hs the same issue and when I cleaned all the gunk in the tube the water started circulating even better. Also, bogging where you have the tubes. I would them on opposite ends to create a circulation. Purchasing “Sludge Destroyer” from your local store should work, and these pellets works too Link
Get a kiddie pool!! That's what I use for my turtles! It is a bit of work but its worth it. I fill it up and when I have to drain it I use a pump to pump the water out. I'll pump the water into a plastic tub and then dump it into the bathtub.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MW441RP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_0D28Q63EQ8QTVKSNZCQT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J5MW8ZY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_G27BHR1H5EZ6NC5NE5D6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LFF07EC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glc_fabc_MAXVADQQ7FMR2RH69283?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 that's be the light I have. I think Its a bit under powered for the depth of tank I have but that also means I don't have much algae
This is pretty common in turtles. He needs a full spectrum UVB/UVA light ASAP! Also do you have a heat source for him to bask under? Or is that en route too? I’ll provide links. TEKIZOO UVA UVB Sun Lamp High Intensity Self-Ballasted Heat Basking Lamp/Light/Bulb for Reptile and Amphibian https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07Y9JXT2H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_CD6749147NCZBDMSTAKP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Ones like these work well because they're anchored underneath your tank. You should get something to hang your light soon because having it this close will hurt your turtle over time!
Polar Aurora is the same manufacturer as SunSun, which is available in Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/SunSun-HW-302-3-Stage-External-Canister/dp/B00892EN22/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=sunsun+filter&qid=1611408070&sr=8-8
Also things are much more expensive in Canuck-bucks - I can get the SunSun for half that..
get a basking dock. turtles like swimming so it will keep them happy if the tank is filled up all the way. the bad thing is that they also like climbing so if you leave it like this he will jump out of your tank. i use this one and it works really well. make sure to put the basking lamp at and angle that will make them want to climb up the bridge
https://www.amazon.com/Penn-Plax-Turtle-Tank-Topper/dp/B002O09MYE
Yea I got this one on sale for 1/2 off, if you want an affordable one, on Amazon there is a brand called SunSun, they’re under $100 and come with spray bars to you can make it trickle over the top of the water like an over hang filter 😁 https://www.amazon.com/SunSun-HW-302-3-Stage-External-Canister/dp/B00892EN22/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=sunsun+canister+filter&qid=1610215339&sprefix=sunsun&sr=8-5
I recommend getting this:
Penn-Plax Reptology Turtle Topper and Extension Clips – Above Tank Basking Platform & Hardware That Safely Mounts to Standard Size Tanks
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B002O09MYE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_Gqf7FbCGZYX77
These are the heaters I use:
Eheim Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004I6U23C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_-nq6FbVB2MV5C?psc=1
If you get 2 of the 250watt ones and place it on opposite ends of the tank, I think it would work really well.
I bought this a couple months ago. Of course make sure you find one the right size. It is awesome! I was apprehensive because of the price but I really can’t complain. It comes with a digital thermometer as well, so there’s no guesswork.
My apartment gets pretty cold too- we just had a week of freezing/ sub freezing. And the turtle tank is definitely the warmest place in our house!
Orlushy Submersible Aquarium Heater,100W/150W/200W/300W Fish Tahk Heater with Adjust Knob Thermostat 2 Suction Cups and Free Thermometer Suitable for Marine Saltwater and Freshwater https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H2KRWFF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_S4l4Fb9BNT21H?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I’ve never had a fluval so I can’t comment on the cleaning process but the cascades are very simple. The impeller comes out easily for cleaning. I’d imagine the fluval is the same.
The basking platform can be made with egg crate and zip ties.
I recommend the Zoo Med Dual fixture.
Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle UVB Heat Lighting Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CYDEARU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_y3AGFbHFAZAGS
RES are a complicated pet to care for. Check out this care sheet for a lot of info on a proper setup.
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-red_ear_slider.htm
Wait 9 year old and that small? Did you mean to say months? But try this one Penn-Plax REP602 The Reptology... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0197AWN08?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share i have it and it works fine. My turtle looks to be a but bigger than yours as well so it should work, and since you have a 55 gallon you might want to look into getting the extenders so that you can fill more water in the tank. But even without the extenders it should be a good temporary solution if anything.
I use a smart plug that I control using Alexa. We have it set to automatically turn on at sunrise and off at sundown.
Here is the switch we use: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBI0A6R?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Bigger tank totally makes sense. I’ll start looking for one. The light I’m using is a uvb light this one OMAYKEY 50W 6 Pack UVA + UVB Full Spectrum Sun Lamp Sunbathe Heat Lamp/Bulb/Light for Lizard Reptiles and Amphibians https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X2Q5VMR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KsBnFbV6F89Z6
Oh, i did that with the tank i had before. This one is a little too big for that so i use the valve on left(you can barely see it) and a siphon (similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Fish-Siphon-Gravel-Cleaner/dp/B06XKGYJHR/ref=zg_bs_3048856011_2/144-6270638-2069365?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=J437EYE3BKR7Z58BJ3KG)
Especially when it's not a full water change you can use the siphon to get the poop and dirt that is on the bottom.
My guy is 7 inches (not sure on his weight) and I use the above tank basking area on Amazon. I had to add some green turf like material to the ramp but he gets up there easily and has plenty of room. And the weight is not an issue since it's securely resting on the tank.
https://www.amazon.com/Penn-Plax-Turtle-Tank-Topper/dp/B002O09MYE
I was going to say check out the stand I got on amazon last year but it looks like it went from like $200 to $550 for some reason and it doesn’t look like you can order it anymore. Not sure if the below link will work. What style are you looking for?
Edit I just got that same tank and set it up today and it’s awesome! And fits on the stand perfectly.
Ameriwood Home Aquarium Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CYVB7Y7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_vrohFbAY2VZ88
Its real fake grass, i bought a few 8inch x 8inch squares off of amazon here it's actually nice, i really like it, it really does feel like real grass, Daryl definitely loves it also and he doesn't eat it. I went with a natural loom I've seen tiles and like that green outdoor carpet also you know what kind. I guess it depends on how much area you want to cover and how much you wanna spend, also most like home depots have decent fake grass you can go there and ask them to cut out what you need.
He doesn’t! I did have live plants for about two days once but he destroyed those, so he must be able to tell the difference. I take them out to clean periodically and have never noticed anything that looks like bite marks. He’s definitely noticeably happier with fake plants than before I got them too!! This one from amazon is his favorite! He usually sleeps in it because it’s huge
After going through my fair share of filters I would definitely recommend a canister filter. Fluval is the more popular brand but I found the Penn-Plax is a better bang for your buck:
Also, Petco carries them and they may price match it for you. Technically they say they won't price match with amazon but I've had luck with them price matching amazon more often than not. I'd recommend getting a size larger than what your tank is. It'll keep your tank extra clean and you can continue to use it when you're forced to get an even larger tank.
Its this one right here https://www.amazon.com/Penn-Plax-Turtle-Tank-Topper/dp/B002O09MYE/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=turtle+above+tank&qid=1567282537&s=gateway&sr=8-5
Make sure to angle the heat light towards the stairs to encourage him to go up there And leave some food up there it’ll make him want to go bask
For UVB I use Reptisun 10.0, manufacturer recommends replace yearly (UVB stops working long before bulb burns out) but I replace every 6 months. For heat lamps you can use any bulb (not LED) from the hardware store, but I like these ReptiTuff Splashproof basking lamps. The glass is super thick to avoid shattering when your aquatic turtles splash it with water.
If you had a 55 gallon, this would be simple. The best option is a Turtle Topper, which are made to fit 55g tanks.
There are ways of getting it to work for a 40g tank also if you want to go that route.
I feed him Zoo Med Gourmet Aquatic turtle Food and iv tried Romaine and Lettuce he is on his 2nd day of not eating so I think Im going to try and just feed him Green pallets I Really wanted him to try and eat greens but he just refuses to touch them. I think I will try to give him a couple Pallets and mostly greens Thank you ~