Aquatic Turtles

[saltaddict]

Anyone else out here in TR land raising aquatic turtles?

I am setting up an aquarium today to house aquatic turtles. My kiddos had been asking for sometime to set up a turtle tank and I finally gave in and used it as a bargaining tool for my youngest to allow them to place a glucose monitor on her.

I am setting up a 50g tank and cannot decide between Florida yellow belly cooter, Cumberland Slider or the Eastern Painted slider.

If anyone is keeping aquatic turtles and have any suggestions on species please jump in.

[SaltyDawg]

I've never kept them but know a couple people who have. Pretty cool critters. The only advise I can give is to check the laws before you by any. A bunch of states are making certian species illegal to keep as pets. Here in Maine they made the red eared slider illegal because to many people buy them and then cant get rid of them when they lose intrest and set them free in the backyard. Now they are classified as an invasive species that is reproducing an raising hell with the native turtles.
Look forward to the pics whe you get them. Cool project.

[saltaddict]

Thanks SaltyDawg! Red ear sliders are readily available here but I really do not want a red ear. I am looking for a species that is a little smaller at maturity than a red ear.

I will post pics as soon as I can.

[rayme07]

I have a couple aquatic turtles but they are red eared sliders. But when I bought mine it was legal to sell them as hatch-lings here so I got my little tooter small. lol I only know of one species here that they can sell small and that is a soft shell turtle and I have heard they are quite easy to take care of but have never owned one. Those Eastern Painted slider's are similar to the red eared so I wonder if they are similar in raising. Here is some info I found. http://www.reptilechannel.com/reptil...-turtle-2.aspx

[Amphibious]

Bribery will get you almost anything.

Another reason for the ban in some states is turtles in LFSs and poorly kept aquariums are notorious for carrying the Salmonella bacteria. Just be aware of that. You can’t detect it under normal conditions. If the LFS’s tanks are filthy, I’d be suspect. Be sure the kiddos wash their hands after playing with them.

[saltaddict]

Thank you Ray and Dick.
We had been discussing housing aquatic turtles as the only pets I will allow must be contained in a tank! If it were up to J-bird we would have a goat, a horse, (we may actually get but will be boarded elsewhere), as many cats and dogs as we could gather, birds, lizard and turtles. She is terrified of snakes and spiders so that is a good thing.

Setting up a turtle tank seemed like a small price to pay for her to allow them to pop her in the stomach with a needle and leave a titanium probe.

We didn't get to start it today as she is sick but will as soon as she is better.

Salmonella is the main concern here in Texas with the selling of small turtles. We are all OCD so washing the hands won't be an issue. Red ear sliders are the only aquatic turtle I have found pet stores selling so I am buying from a turtle farm that is an hour away and they will over night them. They have every variety you can think of.

We must cycle first so I will not order for a while.

[CarmieJo]

Bribery! I thought for sure I'd hear you were getting the vivarium we saw at MACNA.

[saltaddict]

Bribery! I thought for sure I'd hear you were getting the vivarium we saw at MACNA.

Is this the one we saw on the first day as we walked in the door??? The one Dick was suppose to purchase for both of us??

[CarmieJo]

YES! That is it!

[saltaddict]

YES! That is it!

I haven't got mine. Have you????

[CarmieJo]

No. I go to the mailbox every day looking for it. Everybody say awww.

[saltaddict]

Awwwwwww.

[Amphibious]

OMG, you two girls (my favorites) haven’t gotten those vivariums yet??? Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

[saltaddict]

OMG, you two girls (my favorites) haven’t gotten those vivariums yet??? Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

Ummmmmmm - NO!!!! Which shipping company did you use and I will call today to find out what happened to the packages!!

[saltaddict]

Back to the turtles:

Unfortunately, we have been a little side tracked with my sons medical issues as well as him being nominated Homecoming King.

Can someone please tell me how to cycle a turtle tank? Do I throw food in it?

After all of the research I have done I still cannot find the answer to that question!!

[Amphibious]

The shrimp thing will work in SW and FW. Not sure if SW test kits work for FW, though.

Did Zane make it to KING?

[saltaddict]

The shrimp thing will work in SW and FW. Not sure if SW test kits work for FW, though.

Did Zane make it to KING?

Different test kits but I will use the shrimp.

We won't know until Sat. night at the dance, I am sure he will text me. The Queen will be crowned at the game Friday evening but King has to wait until Sat. for some reason.
The Dude better get his hair cut or he won't make it to take his place in the procession as his Mom will take him down!! I told him I will sit in the stands yelling - "My daughter is in the King's Court"!!

[rayme07]

I told him I will sit in the stands yelling - "My daughter is in the King's Court"!!

LOL Embarrassing.

[saltaddict]

LOL Embarrassing.

Wouldn't like to have me for a Mom Raymond????

[CarmieJo]

LOL, when Dom came home from college last year his hair, which is curly, was down to his shoulders. He finally got it cut because it was too hot. If that is the worst rebellion we have to worry about I will be happy!

[saltaddict]

LOL, when Dom came home from college last year his hair, which is curly, was down to his shoulders. He finally got it cut because it was too hot. If that is the worst rebellion we have to worry about I will be happy!

LOL Carmie - I have let him wear it like a shaggy dog, he even bleached it then dyed it blue.. I refuse to allow him to stand center stage of a packed stadium with everyone knowing he belongs to me!!! LOL

Now, if I wasn't going to be there then he might could get away with it but I won't miss it so the hair has to go.

[Amphibious]

Ummmmmmm - NO!!!! Which shipping company did you use and I will call today to find out what happened to the packages!!

That’s strange!!! I used “The Oldtimer’s Freight Line" who’s web site (link below) claims, great service, on time delivery, cheap rates, guarantees against breakage or loss. Here’s the link - The Oldtimer’s Freight Line

I think you should check them out, call the 800 number and file a claim.

In fact, everyone reading this thread should check them out.

[saltaddict]

That’s strange!!! I used “The Oldtimer’s Freight Line" who’s web site (link below) claims, great service, on time delivery, cheap rates, guarantees against breakage or loss. Here’s the link - The Oldtimer’s Freight Line

I think you should check them out, call the 800 number and file a claim.

In fact, everyone reading this thread should check them out.

LMAO - you have wayyy too much time on your hands!!!!! I will give that number a call and I love the website.

[rayme07]

Wouldn't like to have me for a Mom Raymond????

LOL yea

That’s strange!!! I used “The Oldtimer’s Freight Line" who’s web site (link below) claims, great service, on time delivery, cheap rates, guarantees against breakage or loss. Here’s the link - The Oldtimer’s Freight Line

I think you should check them out, call the 800 number and file a claim.

In fact, everyone reading this thread should check them out.

LOL Great website Dick best I have seen in a long time.

[CarmieJo]

That’s strange!!! I used “The Oldtimer’s Freight Line" who’s web site (link below) claims, great service, on time delivery, cheap rates, guarantees against breakage or loss. Here’s the link - The Oldtimer’s Freight Line

I think you should check them out, call the 800 number and file a claim.

In fact, everyone reading this thread should check them out.

LOL, I will use them the next time I have to ship a package!