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Hi turtle fams! If this is not the forum, please let me know. My ex husband picked up a tiny slider (YBS) in May of this year and sent her home in a bucket with the kids. Didn't intend to keep the turtle but she completely fascinates me and the children. I just invested in a 72 gallon bow front tank with a fluval canister filter. I got it running but continue to realize I have a ton to learn about these amazing creatures. I want her healthy (Shelly). I have no clue what to put in this tank for her to hide when she wants? It's barren! I adore this turtle like I do my dogs lol. But I've never had a reptile of any kind. Please I need suggestions. Just purchased a new basking contraption because she's too big for the zoo med suction cup beginner thing. Just need any and all advice for this gal. Thank you!

Hi ladylilu, welcome to the forum! A 75 gallon tank is a great start. Turtles need to bask under a UVB/heat lamp, have a water filter and water heater. Decorations are up to you, but make sure Tiny can't eat any of it unless they are aquatic plants. For UVB/heat, you will need an all-in-one bulb (mercury vapor bulb aka mvb) or two separate bulbs... a UVB bulb and a bulb that produces heat for basking. It will need to appropriate lamp fixture and connecting these to a timer will make life easier for you.

A canister aquarium filter is also help with the water quality. The Fluval FX series are highly recommended. An aquarium water heater is also necessary to maintain a consistent water temperature... 76-78F is usually optimal.