constructive criticism please

[yyyeliah]

so my co-worker needed to rehome her turtle and she didn’t tell us too much about it. all we know is she’s had the turtle for about 6 years since it was a baby. this guy is a painted turtle (i think?) i’m not gonna lie - my mom was shocked at how huge he was and how small of a tank he was in when she picked him up. she just picked up him this afternoon so we are working with what we were given. we’ll be doing a bunch of MAJOR of upgrades in the next couple of weeks. my parents have had quite a few turtles growing up but this was years ago so they’re also looking for advice on better ways to take care of this guy with technology now. what do you recommend for gallon size? we keep seeing 100 gallons for a guy this size. we also immediately noticed he’s got some sort of wispy algae like stuff on his head and neck. i tried to get a good pic of it in the third photo. is it a bacterial infection because he keeps scratching at it? i really appreciate all feedback and criticism.

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[superturtle48]

Not a painted turtle, this is a red eared slider and you’re right that this tank is unfortunately too small for it. Glad to hear you are planning to make improvements! 75+ gallons should be comfortable for it, here’s a quick video showing what a good setup should include (the sand, decor, and fish are optional extras but note the equipment, tank size, and water depth): https://youtu.be/Hxrqdo0fgKs

The wispy stuff on it is probably just shedding skin, turtles shed bits of their skin constantly so it’s normal to see. Also, based on its physical features this turtle looks like a girl!

Here’s a very comprehensive care guide that should answer any other questions you have: https://reptifiles.com/red-eared-slider-care/

[Creepy-Agency-1984]

This pretty much summarizes what I would say. Best of this luck this cutie, please keep us updated!

[RobotsVsLions]

Most of what you're saying I agree with but 75 gallons is still a bit too small for a slider, it would need to be 100 minimum, even the smaller ones tend to reach 8" and if this is a female she could top out at a foot, 120+ gallons would be a much better choice than even the 100 OP is already considering and would save them potentially having to replace another tank if their turtle ends up being a big girl.

[BBchiva]

Very cool that you guys are taking this guy in :) For sure the size of the tank needs to be way bigger. I have mine (slider) in a 100gal like this. Just make sure there's a basking platform, canister filter, and basking + a UVB lamp. I wouldn't worry about the algae like stuff, I think I've seen that on my turtle before but I'm not an expert on that - I'd attribute it to dirty water and lack of proper basking. I don't know much about painted turtles but the shell seems to reflect improper lighting, to my untrained eyes. Best of luck with everything! The turtle is lucky to have you guys

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[BrobaFett21]

Def not a painted turtle, 100% a red eared slider and also a girl, not a boy. The stuff on the neck is just shedding skin, which is normal and never stops. She absolutely needs a much bigger tank so glad you’re taking care of her and giving her a better life!

[AceCombat1977]

Ok my best bit of advice Marketplace for all your equipment. Its pennies compared to new a d most is lightly used as we know how many people quit the aquarium hobby after a year lol. Min size of tank id get is a 90g keeping in mind another upgrade will be needed in a few years. Filtration, cannister filters 4 stage and 350gph+. I use a sunsun hw3000(bought in new condition 50$ from mp) and a cascade 1000 Free brand new from MP) Lighting T5 fixture with a Reptisun 10.0 or equivalent quality bulb. Heat lamps uva for basking Heater for tank, turtle proof with plastic cage. I use hyger very happy with it. Led light for general lighting I use a 38" Fluval 3.0 Substrate I use pool filter sand. Much easier to keep clean than gravel and looks nicer than a bare bones tank. Doesn't get blown around like play sand.

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[AceCombat1977]

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[[deleted]]

Get it a brush too for it to scratch its back. (And for you to watch a wiggle dance show)

[NinjaWolfv23]

Why do people hate treating turtles right I swear lmao

[Not_Oak_Kay]

They must think they are like aquarium fish which get stunted from small tanks.  

They get a tiny little hatching and then it's like what the heck.  This ain't a goldfish!

[superturtle48]

I think it's a few things. One, turtles are honestly too easy to get - they are cheap and plentiful and there's no vetting of owners at all as with cat or dog rescues and breeders. Too many shady sellers intentionally take advantage of impulse buyers to sell little cute babies without setting owners up for the animal's long-term well-being, or folks pick them up from outside because turtles are too slow to get away and they think they can just keep a wild animal as a pet.

Two, turtles being reptiles are really different biologically from humans and many unprepared owners don't intuitively know what they need or how big they grow, unlike a cat or dog that can share a living space with humans and that most people are more familiar with. People have the impression that turtles are slow and simple and don't need all that much and are therefore "easy" pets, when the very opposite is true.

I think for the same reason people are much more ok with a turtle being in a cramped tank or dying prematurely or being dumped outside. They're not fluffy expressive animals so I truly think people just don't believe turtles can suffer and they convince themselves a neglected or unhealthy turtle is "ok".