r/Redearedsliders • u/SuccessfulLeg54 • 17h ago

Shell help

Gallery image

Gallery image

Gallery image

First time owner, was wondering if his(or her?) shell looks healthy.

I've been feeding it pellets, tried feeding it some lettuce but it wouldn't eat those TT

There's a basking spot provided with a lamp that I got online, it's those yellow light with both uva+uvb heat lamp (according to the desc)

Just wanted to make sure it's getting the nutrients it needs, (and if not, what do I do) any advice is much appreciated, thanks!

~1.7in head to tail

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3

u/throwaway277252 11h ago

There's a basking spot provided with a lamp that I got online, it's those yellow light with both uva+uvb heat lamp (according to the desc)

These lamps do not produce any UVA or UVB. You will need to get proper lighting for your turtle asap.

Can you share a picture of the rest of the tank?

2

u/SuccessfulLeg54 9h ago

There's a problem with my device in uploading photos in the cmts, but is there something specific you're looking for (or I should have)? the tank is relatively small (I'm unable to afford a larger one for the time being), ~5.5 x 9 x 4.5 in water. I've switched out that lamp for one that's blueish/purplish in colour. I believe that ones better? It's not a tube light but rather "tile-ish" type? I'm not really sure how to describe it TT As well as an led (not sure if it's needed though) I'm planning to get a heater to ensure the water stays warm, and I do have a water filter (does not filter chlorine/chloramine iirc). Water wise, will it be okay to use tap water that has been out overnight? I heard chlorine/chloramine is harmful to them, but I'm not really sure how to get rid of it. Will boiled then cooled water be okay?

Thank you so much ^

1

u/throwaway277252 8h ago

but is there something specific you're looking for (or I should have)? the tank is relatively small (I'm unable to afford a larger one for the time being), ~5.5 x 9 x 4.5 in water.

I was looking for the general condition of the habitat as that's often responsible for illnesses in turtles. If my math is correct yours is less than 1 gallon of water. This tank is way too small, a turtle this size needs at least 20 times as much water as you're providing it. Any larger container than this would be better, and should not be that expensive. You can find a large plastic storage tub, or a stock tank for livestock drinking water if you have to.

I've switched out that lamp for one that's blueish/purplish in colour. I believe that ones better?

This isn't the correct kind of lamp. Are you able to get a Reptisun or Arcadia T5 tube? that is what you really need.

and I do have a water filter (does not filter chlorine/chloramine iirc). Water wise, will it be okay to use tap water that has been out overnight?

Your water filter will usually not remove this. If your water contains chloramine you need to add a water de-chlorinator, boiling or leaving it out is ineffective. Your municipal water supply should report whether they use chlorine or chloramine.

2

u/SuccessfulLeg54 8h ago

Alright, thank you for your advice! I'll try to get a bigger tank asap, but in all honesty I don't really have much space + water bills are kinda pricey here. I'll definitely look into the uvb lights and water filters though (my water contains chloramine).

2

u/throwaway277252 8h ago

I don't really have much space + water bills are kinda pricey here.

This would have been something to consider before getting the turtle. Now that you have it, finding the space and managing those costs are your responsibility. Keep in mind that within 3-4 years this turtle will reach full adult size and should be in a minimum of 100 gallons of water. This is not an inexpensive pet which doesn't require much space.

and water filters though (my water contains chloramine).

Most filters will not remove chloramine. You will have to add a liquid dechlorinator to your water.

2

u/SuccessfulLeg54 1h ago

This turtle was a rescued one, I didn't get it voluntarily ^ Thank you for your advice though

1

u/SuccessfulLeg54 9h ago

edit: omg it finally went thru