General Care Discussion :: how deep of water for babies?

[bluemonster107]

I was building a little turtle habitat for the purchase of one red ear..... well.... in the mean time i came across some guy that had 2 baby red ears that he said ' got a gift'... well, when i went to pick them up there were 3 and in some crappy salad type bowel with just water.... i of course took the 3 turtle babies as i couldnt just leave them in those conditions....
anyway... i have them in a 10 gallon currently and they are doing so well.. eating, swiimming, climbing, being social.... etc...
my question is... they are only like the size of a 50 cent piece and currently swim in about 10" of water....... when would it be safe to move them to the turtle habitat that is a full 55 gallon tank?

[steve]

If they are healthy, eating and swimming, then you can put them in. You will want to add extra areas where they can easily rest.

[bluemonster107]

thanks steve! i didnt even know there was a response to my question... i appreciate it!! yes... i have a floating basking dock and also a 'penthouse' type under the uv and basking light i built. I still didnt move them.... as i had no idea if i should ... thanks for the response!

[steve]

Can you post a picture of it?

[bluemonster107]

here is a pic (basking lights not on it yet, as they are hanging over their current 10 gallon )... but they go above the right side elevated basking area.

[steve]

That's a very nice looking setup. I would definitely add an area where they can rest.

[bluemonster107]

Yup... There is a floating basking platform inside the tank, as well as an out of water basking area

[steve]

If they are still hatchlings, I'd just make sure that the filter is not too powerful for them and that it's secured. It's not likely something will happen, but RES are very inquisitive and destructive of their habitat.