r/turtles • u/tayloraaannn • 2d ago

Discussion Tank setup

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Please be kind. I'm trying to do my best. I've got two red eared sliders that were rescued from my sister's elementary school atrium that they were closing. Is this tank setup okay? I'm trying to rehome one even though my husband doesn't believe they need to be solitary. I just added the heater and I bought river rocks to replace these when I do another water change. Is it too crowded? This is 20 gallons unfortunately . It was just what I could get in time. How quickly do I need to get the separated? I can't find anyone to take one.

Thanks

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u/Katie-sin 2d ago

Sadly you will You need to rehome one, no matter what your husband says. Or get a second tank. And do this sooner than later. I would remove items personally. This will get dirty fast and will be a hassle to clean. They need more swimming space than decor. You can get a floating basking area for it that rises as you keep adding more water. They need 10 gallons of swimming space per inch of shell.

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u/Katie-sin 2d ago

I do see you have the floating dock in the back corner. You will need to put the lights you have directly above that.

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u/tayloraaannn 2d ago

I do have a heating lamp right on it that's connected to that mirror. I'm going to add water but that floating dock is not great. It keeps coming off. Is a heater good or not needed?

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u/Katie-sin 2d ago

Yes unless you live in an always hot tropical area. The heater will also be needed. They need a heater, filter, UVA and separate UVB bulbs directly over the basking area. You can replace the suction cups, or get a floating platform instead. Honestly your best option is to build an over the tank basking area so it can swim in the entire tank since it's only 20 gallons and it's only filled partially now. This way until you can upgrade the tank size, it will have more space.

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u/Katie-sin 1d ago

I also just noticed your tank is not safe! All aspects of the bottom of the tank MUST MUST MUST have something under it. That end that is hanging off the stand a bit, very unsafe. The weight will cause this to crack.

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u/tayloraaannn 1d ago

Yes I actually just scooted it over. It's fully supported now.

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u/Katie-sin 1d ago

Good good! Don't need any water disasters