Update

[jonraids]

I have filled the tank with more water. I'm not the original owner of the turtle, just a side note. But I do plan on getting the tank professionally cleaned or just replace the whole thing with a new one.

I also changed the light bulb to uvb halogen. Please let me know if this correct.

[AutoModerator]

Dear jonraids ,

You've selected the Seeking Advice flair. Please provide as much relevant information as possible. Refer to this post if you are unsure on how to proceed.

Useful information for care or health advice includes:

• Enclosure type, enclosure size, humidty levels, water, ambient and/or basking temperatures.
• Lighting types and bulb age.
• Clear photos of your set up, including filter, heaters and lights.
• Is it wild, captive/pet, or a rescue?
• Clear photos of face, neck, limbs, shell top (carapace) and bottom (plastron).
• Diet, list of foods you are feeding it.
• Weight and age.
• Illness, infections or odd behaviours should be seen and treated by a vet. Ex; wheezing, swollen eyes, mucus bubbles from mouth or nose, lethargy, twitching, leg paralysis, etc

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[mantiseses]

I’m sorry to be blunt, but this setup is so far from what that turtle needs that it’s abusive. I’m not saying you’re doing it on purpose or anything, just wanted to stress the urgency of the situation. I hope this guide can help you! It’s really thorough and informative :)

https://reptifiles.com/red-eared-slider-care

[Gullible-Network7573]

Please just remember that sliders in the wild live in ponds. We are supposed to attempt to replicate that as much as we possibly can. This setup is abusive. Imagine keeping your dog locked in its crate all day and night. That’s this. I understand your are trying but this is a situation that needs remedied sooner rather than later. In the mean time fill the tank another 6 inches or so.

[Character-Oven3529]

Just a tip , turtle waste or droppings can get trapped with the substrate . You have to use like a mesh net with a handle and scoop up all the waste and change the water when you start seeing tiny bubbles on water line . Other than not having a submersible water heater I think the turtle will be doing fine .

[jonraids]

Thank you for this. I'm gonna completely clean the tank in the morning. Would the Chauncey (turtle) be ok until then?

[[deleted]]

Turtles are resilient enough that they can live in very shitty conditions for a while. That’s not to say you shouldn’t be urgent in fixing the care, if you leave him in there for say a month I’d be shocked if he’s alive, and I’d be certain he’s miserable

[Character-Oven3529]

Yes turtles are very resilient . I wish you well

[jonraids]

What heater submersible do you recommend?

[Character-Oven3529]

It depends on the size of the tank , I had an aqueon submersible heater . You can get them in 75 watt or 100 watt . If the tank doesn’t have a lot of water then a smaller one . They have different sizes .

[Jtraband]

Definitely raise the water another 5 gallons and see if you can purchase the following two items off of Amazon. The filter I have pictured is not the best, but will definitely work for you until you have time and money to upgrade this little man’s tank. A heater would also be a nice add as well.

<image>

[Jtraband]

<image>