General Care Discussion :: Albino Terrapin.

[XtReMeBoL]

Hi All,

I am from Singapore and have an albino terrapin for a month now.

please advise the setup of mine and i am using the internal filter called: GEX Corner Turtle Filter.

for feeding wise, am feeding the zoo med hatchling pellet daily and veggies 1 to 2 times per week.

understand that red ear sliders need more water but due to my previous encounter years ago, my 6 months old terrapin (green) die due to excess of water.

so for now, i am slowing increasing the water as my albino terrapin gets bigger.

this is the view of my full tank:



this is my little internal filter:



my little terrapin basking:



do advise or guide me as well.

[steve]

Hi, given a resting spot, it's not likely a turtle will die from simply too much water. The main issues you want to take care of are temperatures and his appetite.

[XtReMeBoL]

thanks for replying .

for feeding, i am feeding it on a separate container in order not to dirty / cloud my main tank.

not sure why but previously my little terrapin which is about the same size died when the water is over his shell, maybe it's not due to water but am not sure.

so now, in order to play safe, i am increasing the water as my albino terrapin grows..

abt the temperature, the water is about 24 degree celsius from what I read in forums.

[steve]

When the turtle is a stronger swimmer, you can add a lot more water. Too little water, and the turtle can drown if it accidentally gets upside down. The temperature should be fine, and maybe a degree warmer.

[XtReMeBoL]

Question…
My albino res now is around 6.5 cm (shell length, not counting the head and tail)
Should I feed with zoo Med hatchling (for up to 5cm) or zoo Med growth (5cm above)..?

Notice that the difference is growth formula less protein.. pls advise

[steve]

I would use the hatchling formula, though there is little difference.

[XtReMeBoL]

Thanks Steve, in this case may I know when do I need to change to growth formula?

Can I jus feed growth formula? Cause am afraid that too much protein will have shell pyramid.

Am feeding pellets daily with fresh vegetables

[steve]

You can switch whenever, but if you want to prevent pyramiding then use a good brand pellet (Omega One, Mazuri) and don't overfeed... especially in these early stages.

[XtReMeBoL]

Thanks Steve, I have compare, mazuri have more protein then zoo Med growth formula, so is mazuri better?

[steve]

Mazuri is a better quality product/brand, I would not focus on the protein content. Keep a close eye on the shell's condition to determine if you need to feed more or less, but less is often better.

[XtReMeBoL]

Thanks Steve, I have just purchase a bottle of omega one turtle pellet.
The moment I put the pellet down, my res gobble it up in 1 mouth, did not even chew and swallow it, is it normal? Will it get chock without chewing its food?.

[steve]

It shouldn't be an issue. I usually spread out the pellets when I put it into the tank so they're not all in front of her.

[XtReMeBoL]

I have just purchase a plastic tank with measurement : 61cm by 32cm by 33cm.

added water twice its length and add the zoo med docking and magnetic turtle dock also .

also, i notice that once i on my basking light, it will bask for a long time and once awhile go for a dip and bask again.

once i off the light, it will went back into water to swim ard.

is this normal?

[steve]

Sounds like normal behavior, but I would look into a bigger tank for a slider. I would also not have the tank so bright, perhaps one end could be made darker.

[XtReMeBoL]

Thanks Steve, is this tank still not big enough? 60 litres.

Would like to check also, notice sometimes my slider went underwater for a swim, and saw that it open its mouth wide like yawning or drinking water, not sure which but he is able to swim to surface and eat well, is this normal?

My tank is too bright? Got to find other darker space for it, gotta figure out