First time turtles

[Wesley M]

My lfs has a ton of baby turtles. I think they're res ear sliders or whtever they're. Called. Although some look the same shape but have no red on them. I haven't really done any research. I just left the shop after looking at them. They will give me a free turtle when I buy a 15 dollar bag of turtle food. I have an empty 30 gallon aquarium (standard dimensions). I know it wouldn't work for life but the turtles are only 2 inches in diameter. What are the "need-to-knows" with turtles? I've only ever kept fish and I want to try something new. Do they need a special light or will the aquarium light be sufficient?

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[crayfishguy]

Need to knows.... These turtles will reach 12" inches in length, and will need a MINIMUM of 120 gallon tank. They are the messiest creatures, so overfiltration and frequent waterchanges are required. they will need a heat light, and a completely dry, out of the water basking platform (not a turtle dock). In addition to a heat light, they also need a UVB/UVA bulb that will need to be replaced every six months. It isn't cheap to keep a turtle. Your 30 gal would last a single 2" res about 3 months give or take. The free turtles you might get are likely wild caught, and may have parasites.

 

[Vicious_Fish]

A good caresheet to read before bringing home a cute little green turtle.

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-red_ear_slider.htm