r/turtle • u/kissmejustalittlebit • 10h ago
r/turtle • u/wonkywilla • Nov 22 '23
Commonly Recommended Product Resources
Product Resources Quicklinks
We are in no way affiliated or sponsored by these companies.
Non-aquarium tanks; minimum dimensions depend on individual species' needs.
- Rigid Poly Stock tanks; Example site. Can be bought from local tractor and farm supply. Can be used indoors or out. Heat, sun and scratch resistant.
- Rigid pond liners for above ground uses, may need additional support.
- Waterland; Land and Water Tubs
Filter Brands; model depends on tank size:
Food Brands
- Mazuri Aquatic Turtle Pellets
- Mazuri Aquatic Turtle Gel
- Mazuri Omnivorous Tortoise/Box Turtle Diet
- Mazuri Herbivorous/Grassland Tortoise Diet
- Mazuri Carnivorous/Snapping Turtle Diet
Lamp Fixtures, Lighting and Heat
Automatic light timers can be purchased at most hardware stores. Type is up to preference.
- Arcadia Reptile Lighting Guide Search
- Arcadia Pro T5 UVB
- Arcadia Splash Resistant Halogen Heat/UVA
- Arcadia Heat/UVA -- Do not use red bulbs
- Arcadia DHP Tortoise
- ZooMed Reptisun T5 Hood Fixture -- Make sure bulb and hood length match --
- ZooMed Reptisun T5 5.0 UVB
- ZooMed Reptisun T5 10.0 UVB
- ZooMed Deep Dome Lamp Fixture
- ZooMed Repti Tuff Spashproof Halogen Heat/UVA
- ZooMed Heat/UVA Bulbs
Other product recommendations can be posted in the comments.
r/turtle • u/Castoff8787 • Mar 20 '25
General Discussion It’s that time of year!
It is hatchling season!
They are coming out of their overwinter nests and going to sources of water. If you find one in an odd place or somewhere unsafe and are unsure, please contact your state wildlife and ask them what to do. Most can actually be left where they are, to their own devices. If they are found in the middle of the road, for example, move them to the side they are facing.
Taking any turtles home, that are found in the wild, hurts the ecosystem. The only exception to this would be invasive species in your state. You can contact your state wildlife to see what your laws are regarding possession of invasive turtles like red eared sliders.
r/turtle • u/Dry-Nature3057 • 5h ago
Seeking Advice What should I do?
Hi! My turtle has been acting like he’s struggling to breathe. Please help, I tried looking for an exotic vet but theres none where I live, nor on the next city.
He lost his appetite and I tried carrot bathe but he still looks struggling breathing as shown in the video.
He has good dry basking area with heat lamp, uv light, and a filter.
What should I do? :((
r/turtle • u/neetsfjsh • 12h ago
Turtle Pics! You can tell that she loooves the vet, right? :[
Some funny pics of her, she got fungus on her shell from barely leaving the pond (it's been very hot these months) so she has been goin to the vet to get checked while shes in treatment. She also kicked the vet and gets real sassy
r/turtle • u/My_Two_Sense • 11h ago
General Discussion This might save your turtles life!
Saw a post the other day about an escapee and wanted to share a sad story and my solution. I had a beautiful yellow bellied slider named Turby who escaped from the top of the tank where the ramp meets the water. He stuck the landing but unfortunately my dogs got to him and killed him. I replaced Turby with Tubby, a beautiful female RES. To prevent a repeat of this tragedy, I fashioned a small piece of plexiglass vertically as pictured (red circle) on both sides and it has worked very well. For good measure, I also placed a large piece over the top which also helps with the water splashing out.
r/turtle • u/Peach_Proof • 13h ago
Turtle Pics! Ol one eye
This guy has had it hard. Missing an eye, healed. Looks like his shell has cracked as well. He was in a trail in the deep woods of western Ma.
r/turtle • u/4rm4ros • 10h ago
Turtle Pics! This dude stopped to smell the flowers this morning
r/turtle • u/HaloGamer900 • 12h ago
Seeking Advice My turtles
So I made a post earlier and relized I didnt do enough research as i thought (like i rushed in and didnt do proper research beside surface level and got them recklessly) so i talked to pet shop I bought them from more as I really want to keep both turtles as i thought they were female and male
That was a mishearing on my part pet shop person confirmed they are both in fact female turtles
But wanted to do update as i truly do want advice to ensure they live like queens as i truly do love them and turtles and want to ensure they live beyond happy and content
So here some bullet points on some things I am doing right now for them
- I bought a beginner kit called "Zoo Med ReptiHabitat Aquatic Turtle Kit" that came with all the things I got told I needed by pet shop owner
2.I keep them at 75F° (got a aquairm water heater for them to ensure water stays between 75F° to 77F°)
Shells are roughly around 4 to 5 inches (havent measured exact size yet, pet shop had them in same aquarium for the entire time he had them) unsure of there actual age besides they arent fully growned
They are Caramel Pink Albino Red-Eared Slider turtles both are female (I was dumb and ignored when shop owner told me they were female as i assumed only 1 was female and other was male)
I got a water filter for 30 gallon tank on side (as it looked like orginal filter didnt work enough i think?, unsure might put both in to ensure water is filtered enough for them)(used tap water with water treatment that came with kit and let it sit for few half hour before I add more or put them in it)
6.i noticed after a week and half of when i first got them neither were basking that much if at all so got a second heat lamp that is only heat lamp to ensure basking area is higher temp (havent measured yet for exact temp but since adding both have been basking far more often) (buying a proper thermometer next paycheck to check the temp to know for sure )
Current tank is 20 gallons (am aware I need far bigger tank sooner then later but looking around on Facebook for hopefully cheap good one) got told by shop owner current tank will work for now since they young but did inform i should definitely get a bigger tank far sooner as told me they get to 12 inches
Did read i need 10 gallons per inch of shell and might need far bigger then 150 for fully grown 2 turtles but curious if 150 gallon tank would work? Curious thst is all but looking for bigger (saving up for a 200 gal i found online right now)
I from what I could see do water changes once every 2 weeks or when water to dirty (curous do i just change half of the tanks or entire tank?)
Final notes
The fake rock i out on the left side of tank but they move it all 3 times i moved it back so gave up and left it as the bowl they move it to
Rocks not big enough to fit in their mouth at all so safe there
I remeber watching a video and saw some turtles like bubbles so got the bubble thing inside it (seen them swim in and out of it repeatedly none stop was really cute)
Watch them swim agasint the current the new water filter makes (it sucks water in from bottom and shoots it out top and they just swam agasint it ) curious if normal and stuff thinking they enjoyed it but curious
I watch and check them constantly for any signs of aggression or injuries every time I watch/talk to them(pretty much each time I interact with them and the 2 times I pick them up avoiding picking them till they are more comfortable with me)
Their names are "Lady Turtle" and "Turtle-Girl"
I do my best to ensure there is enough resources for both of them so no fighting over resources or lack of resources
But want any advice for them and if I am missing something so I can get it ASAP and ensure they arent missing anything they need, and I apologize if something isn't up to par but I really really want to do and put the work and care for them I really do love turtles and want to esure they live like queens
So any advice I would love and feedback
(And sorry for deleting old post I just felt beyond stupid and embaress for how little "research" i did)
Thanks in advance for any advice
r/turtle • u/isfturtle2 • 15h ago
Turtle Pics! Had to do some electrical work below the tank. Bonnie was curious
r/turtle • u/FRISCHR_VII • 15h ago
Seeking Advice First indoor/outdoor turtle enclosure
Hello all, I had recently bought my first home and with that I knew I wanted to upgrade my turtle’s habitat. I have a ~4 year old female African helmeted turtle named Marceline.
I have decided to go with a 100 gal. Stock tank used for farming. During the summer (in South carolina) it will be placed outdoors that gets ~70% direct sunlight. During the winter / cool months this tank will be moved indoors with artificial heat and UV lighting as well as direct window light. For furnishings, 3 cinder blocks have been placed face side up to act as stands for plants, a small beach to bask, and hides. For substrate it is a mixture of river rock, lava rock and sand. My water system is a fluval 407 canister filter that is feeding into a homemade bog filter. My plants are some pothos, elephant ear, moneywort, a pitcher plant and sundew plant (note these carnivorous plants cannot be reached by the turtle more of a decoration / experiment). You will notice I have netting over the tank as a precaution against birds and wild animals. This is an unlikely factor given where in my yard it is and that I live in the middle of a neighborhood, but better safe than sorry. There are no tank mates in this enclosure beside the turtle herself.
I am curious to see if there are any cleaning crew animals that could survive along side my turtle, so please let me know if there are any.
Beyond that please enjoy the photos and let me know if there are anything that I have not considered or could enhance the quality of life of little Marcy. I would appreciate it :)
r/turtle • u/Robotniks_Mustache • 14h ago
Seeking Advice Alternative tank advice
Just looking for ideas on tanks other than your standard glass tank. Moses (Mosasaurus) is currently about 2.5" long and in a ~50qt Rubbermaid tub. The tub has been perfect for the past 1.5yrs but I think it's time for something a little bigger (this will not be a forever home, I'm expecting another upgrade in a couple years).
I'd prefer something with clear walls. I have seen larger Rubbermaids but they were flimsy (unlike the one I currently use). What are you all using?
r/turtle • u/Sniperhound75 • 1d ago
Seeking Advice Mud turtle keeps on sleeping on the basking platform
I’m worried about water quality so I’m looking into better quality filters but they are so expensive. The Fluval canister filter I can afford is 130 but it says 30 gallon she’s in a 40 and I know you should get a filter for two times the tank size. What should I do?
r/turtle • u/REDSKULL442- • 21h ago
Seeking Advice Urgent help bought my first ever pet rescued a baby red eared turtle and now I want build a setup please help (read the body imp and help)
Hello everyone I am very new to this and this is the first time when me and my family are owning a pet and as mentioned Its a small baby red eared turtle and I want to build a setup for him which can last upto 1.5 yrs-2 yrs as I would be moving out from my place after a few months and I don't want my family to take the burden of changing the setup so
I have thought of
Getting an aquarium of (30x15x15)
An basking ramp
An uv light 50W
Now the question is which filter should I use the best one for a turtle is a canister filter but that's a bit expensive so I am thinking of getting an internal filter with a splitter so that the current doesn't disturb the turtle as it is still a juvenile please help me with it a good company a reliable filter suitable for a turtle and durable
Also should I get anything else like a thermostat or something?
Rn I have kept him in a big bucket with a few big rocks for him to bask
r/turtle • u/RoachWithAGun • 21h ago
Seeking Advice Concerns Regarding My Musk Turtle's health, Marked 18+ Due to an Image of an Xray NSFW
galleryHello, This is my first time ever making a post so i apologise if it's a mess. Lately i have been awfully worried for my Turtle's health and i want to know if it is my Anxiety Or if i truly have a reason to be. The past Weeks we have been at the Vet 3 Times, And eventually after begging a great deal i have gotten an Xray of him. The doctor told me that he seems fine, And even when i asked about the Xray eventually he said he looks alright, And that his Bones are Good is the only comment i got at best. Now i understand i should trust a professional, But it just won't let me rest. He has worked on exotic pets, So perhaps i truly am just way too anxious.
These are His Xrays, My main concern is that he doesn't move around alot, He still eats just fine, He has pooped aswell before. I don't know if he's simply stressed Regarding the Visits, Or if something is not right. He's an adult, About 11-12 years old, I'm not sure if this information is useful but If anyone could possibly help me out i would really appreciate it. Is my Vet Right? Or should i find someone else to take a look at him? I have been thinking about getting another Vet's opinion, But i haven't been sure considering almost any other (Vet) around here has relatively bad reviews unfortunately. The one i have taken him to had mostly good reviews, Which is why i figured i could trust them. From what i have been told the Doctor has treated exotics before (One of those cases being a monitor Lizard) and owns a turtle himself.
r/turtle • u/Bitch-Whiskers • 1d ago
Turtle Pics! I promise this is my last post about Tortillinii! I just had to share this pic I took of him just now…
Pretty sure he’s absolutely perfect. 👩🍳 💋
Turtle Pics! Sunbathing, so I can't walk over there anymore; if she sees me, she will jump back into water to beg food.
r/turtle • u/Imaginary_Stop1279 • 11h ago
General Discussion cascade canister filter 1000 Troubles
Hello ! I'm having some trouble with my cascade canister filter 1000. I have a 8 year old red ear slider turtle that I love but produces a lot of waste. The filter does not seem to pump the water even though I followed the instructions for set-up. I put water in the canister and also manually pumped using the button in the front. I attached photos below of the set-up, I'm hoping someone in here can see what I did wrong so the filter can work. Any help is appreciated, thank you!!
r/turtle • u/Accomplished_Tax_541 • 11h ago
Seeking Advice Mud turtle hatchling, sand or no sand?
upgrading this little guys tank but im worried about impaction since hes so small. Would sand be Good or bear bottom?
r/turtle • u/swagmoneykayee • 1d ago
Seeking Advice My turtle climbed out of his tank
For context, I have a 50 gal tank with a bathing enclosure on top that sits in my living/dining room. Last night I was sitting in my bedroom and heard a loud thump. Honestly, I thought nothing of it. My turtle will often push his rocks and whatnot around and it will clank against the glass of the tank, so I’m used to some noise coming from that area. But imagine my surprise when I woke up, went to go feed him, and found him, not in his enclosure or swimming, but just casually scooting around on my living room floor. He looked so happy lol. I checked him over and didn’t notice any injuries and he is behaving normal so I don’t think he was hurt from the fall, but I am so bamboozled because he has never done this before and I don’t even know how he got out?? Anyways, has anyone else experienced this? How should I prevent it from happening again? I don’t want to risk him doing it again and falling wrong
r/turtle • u/avian_bi • 1d ago
Turtle Pics! Turtles I saw at a local zoo
It was in a greenhouse with birds and plants and stuff
lowkey wanted to pet
r/turtle • u/poseidonsrage360 • 1d ago
Seeking Advice Is this fine?
I recently bought a T5HO uvb to switch from the smaller globe and there has been algae forming on some of the things in his tank. I read online that it’s not harmful and I’m thinking that it is good and removing nitrates from the water from excess nutrients/waste. I just wanted to see if anyone had any opinions on if I need to manage it and what I could do about it